Since the cause and cure for glaucoma are both unknown, the goal of Glaucoma management for now is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
The main classes of anti Glaucoma medications includes the following:
1.Alpha 2 adrenergic agonist: these class of drugs reduces IOP by reducing the production of aqueous and increase the out flow of aqueous. The above attributes makes it a strong drug for glaucoma management. Examples of drugs in this category includes brimonidine, apraclonidine et.c.
2. Beta blockers: this class of drugs reduces the production of aqueous humor. We have general beta blockers and selective beta blockers. Examples of drugs in this class are timolol, levobunolol, betaxolol et.c.
3.Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor: This particular class of drugs reduces IOP by acting as an antidiuretic. They’re available as systemic and topical formulation. Examples are acetazolamide, brinzolamide, dorzolamide et.c
4. Prostaglandin analogues: This class of drugs works primarily by increasing outflow of aqueous humor. Examples includes latanoprost, travoprost.
5. Hyperosmotics: This class of drugs acts on the principle of osmosis. They draw out liquid from area of lower concentration to area of higher concentration. Examples includes salacin, osmoglyn.
Other classes of anti Glaucoma medications are the miotics. They help open up the anterior chamber to increase outflow of aqueous humor ( especially in angle closure glaucoma) examples includes pilocarpine.
