Drugs for glaucoma

Abstract

Older drugs for glaucoma reduce intra-ocular pressure, but often have unpleasant adverse effects. They still have a role in therapy, but there are now newer drugs which overcome some of the problems. The topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors decrease the secretion of aqueous humour, while lipid-receptor agonists increase uveoscleral outflow. Alpha2 agonists use both mechanisms to reduce intra-ocular pressure. If a patient needs more than one drug to control their glaucoma, the new drugs generally have an additive effect when used in combination regimens.