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Glaucoma Medications You Should Know About And Take
Glaucoma Medications are the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Standard practice has been to move on to surgery if medication is ineffective. Recent studies support the use of Glaucoma Surgery as a safe and effective treatment. Eye drops
There are several types of drops the doctor may prescribe. It’s important to use the drops exactly as prescribed to control you IOP. Skipping even a few doses can cause damage to the optic nerve to worsen. Some drops need to be applied several times each day, and other must be used just once a day. It’s also important to inform your doctor of all medications you’re currently taking, to avoid any undesirable drug interactions. Because some of the eye drops are absorbed into you blood stream, you may experience side effects unrelated to your eyes. To minimize this absorption, close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes after putting the drops in. Press lightly at the corner of your eye near your nose to close the tear duct, and wipe off any unused drops from your eyelid.
If eye drops alone don’t bring your eye pressure down to the desired level, you doctor may also prescribe oral medication. The most common oral glaucoma medication is carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These pills, which include acetozolamide (Diamox, Storzolamide, other), dichlorphenamide (Daranide) and methazolamide (neptazane), should be taken with meals to reduce side effects. You can help to minimize the potassium loss that this medication can cause by adding bananas and apple juice to your diet. When you first start taking these oral medications, you may experience a frequent need to urinate and tingling sensation in the fingers and the toes. These symptoms often disappear after a few days. Other possible side effects of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors include rashes, depression, fatigue, lethargy, stomach upset, a metallic taste in carbonated beverages, importance and weigh loss. Kidney stones also can occur. The best way to prevent damage from glaucoma is to know your risk factors and have regular eye exams. Remember nothing beats a healthy diet with the right balance of Vitamins and Minerals when it comes to preventing an eyesight problem. If you have glaucoma, the most important thing you can do is take your glaucoma medication exactly as prescribed. Frequent eye exams will help your doctor monitor your eye pressure and keep you and your doctor aware of any changes in your vision. Here are other self-care tips: Maintain a healthy diet. Minerals and Vitamins for Eyes that are important for the eye include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc and copper. Drink fluids in small amounts over the coarse of a day. Drinking a quart or more of any liquid with a short time may increase eye pressure. Limit caffeine to low or moderate levels.
Studies show that people with Open Angle Glaucoma who exercise regularly – at least three times a week – can reduce their eye pressure by an average of 20 percent. However, Closed Angle Glaucoma isn’t affected by exercise and people with pigmentary glaucoma, a form of secondary glaucoma, may experience increased eye pressure after exercise. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.
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