Glaucoma Treatment with Medication from an Optometrist Near You in Fountain Valley, CA

Treating glaucoma requires constant monitoring, examinations, and treatment as the condition progresses (depending on the type of glaucoma you've been diagnosed with). Understanding treatment options for glaucoma when choosing the right path for you can be essential. At Fountain Valley Optometry in Fountain Valley, CA, we will work with you to explore how glaucoma is managed with medication to determine which medications may be most useful for your particular case.

Types of Glaucoma Medications

To better understand how glaucoma medications assist with treating glaucoma and the resulting increased intraocular pressure (IOP), it's important to learn the basics of different types of medications on the market specifically designed for glaucoma, such as:

●             Beta Blockers: Beta blockers are designed to help lower IOP in the eyes by reducing the overall production of aqueous humor. Some beta blockers include Timoptic, Betoptic, and Betagan.

●             Prostaglandin Analogues: Prostaglandin analogues lower IOP by increasing the overall outflow of the fluid in the eye. Common prostaglandin analogues include Xalatan, Lumigan, and Travatan Z.

●             Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors: This option is optimal for reducing the production of aqueous humor and is often administered as oral tablets and topical eye drops.

●             Alpha Antagonists: Alpha antagonists increase fluid outflow and may include Alphagan and Iopidine.

●             Rho Kinase Inhibitors: In some cases, Rho Kinase inhibitors, such as Rhopressa, may be used to lower IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor in the affected eye(s).

How Glaucoma Medications Work

Regardless of the class of glaucoma you may have, glaucoma medications work through various mechanisms to help manage and/or reduce IOP, or intraocular pressure.

●             Increasing Fluid Output and Outflow: Both Rho kinase inhibitors and prostaglandin analogues are responsible for enhancing the fluid outflow, or aqueous humor of the eye. This can help decrease IOP over time.

●             Reducing Fluid Production: On the other hand, beta blockers along with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can help lower the production of aqueous humor, which will also reduce IOP.

Get an Eye Exam and Glaucoma Treatment from an Eye Doctor Near You and an Optometrist Near You

Understanding glaucoma is crucial to determining which medications may be right for you. If you're in need of an eye exam or if you're searching for an optometrist near you in Fountain Valley, CA, who can work with glaucoma cases, we can help. When you're searching for an eye doctor near you who you can trust and rely on, we at Fountain Valley Optometry are here for you. Call us at (714) 210-2393 for an eye exam and glaucoma treatment from our optometry team.