What is the Proper Way to Instill Eye Drops for Glaucoma?
All drugs prescribed for glaucoma are designed to correct IOP and prevent the destruction of the optic nerve fibers. However, the mechanism of their action is not the same. Some reduce the production of intraocular fluid, others improve its outflow, and still others have a combined effect.
The first-line drugs prescribed for glaucoma and ocular pressure include prostaglandins and their analogues. These formulations facilitate the removal of intraocular fluid through additional pathways. The most widely used prostaglandin analog is Bimatoprost. The medicine improves the outflow of aqueous humor along the uveoscleral pathway. Most often, Bimatoprost is prescribed to patients with open-angle glaucoma. The product is available as a 0.005% solution.
A decrease in intraocular pressure occurs as a result of an improvement in the outflow of aqueous humor along the uveoscleral pathway and through the trabecular network. The effectiveness of the drug becomes noticeable 4 hours after the instillation of the solution. The maximum effect is observed after 8-12 hours and lasts up to 24 hours. Those who want to save money can order Bimatoprost generic online with home delivery. Shipping is international and is always timely. The product is affordable and at the same time high-quality.
The selection of a specific remedy depends both on the doctor’s recommendations and on the patient’s financial capabilities. The effect of the compounds on the human body is largely individual, much depends on the form of glaucoma, concomitant diseases and other factors.
The most common side effects are burning sensation, discomfort, redness, headache, etc. If you notice these symptoms, you need to consult a doctor again. The medical specialist will select a different composition or offer a remedy that relieves discomfort.
Prostaglandins are effective, safe and easy to use. You need to instill the drops only once a day. The effect lasts over 24 hours. The drug reduces the pressure by 3-12 mm or more. However, it works gently, the degree of lowering depends on the initial IOP. The maximum effect is achieved after 12 hours. However, one should bear in mind that a noticeable decrease in pressure after the instillation of drops begins only after 2 hours. Therefore, it is important to adhere strictly to the treatment schedule in order to prevent an attack.
When contacting a doctor, it is necessary to inform him about the existing diseases since different formulations have different contraindications. Some are not applicable in the presence of heart failure and asthma, others are incompatible with diabetes. There are also drugs that are intended for people with certain chronic diseases.
If prostaglandins do not give the desired effect, a combination drug is used. Their effectiveness is higher, however, the use of potent drugs is not recommended in milder forms of glaucoma. One should also bear in mind that IOP can be corrected not only with eye drops but also with oral preparations (acetazolamide, glycerol). Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, you need to consult with your doctor about the possibility of using it in a particular case.
How to instill eye drops for glaucoma
The correct instillation of drops will avoid injury and various side effects. It is not difficult to do this. Over time, patients perform the procedure automatically, without thinking about the sequence of actions.
Steps for putting in eye drops:
- Sit comfortably and tilt your head back slightly. Look up;
- Pull the lower eyelid back with your index finger to form a small pocket and apply the medicine with your other hand;
- After application, apply gentle pressure with your index or middle finger to the inner corner of the eye to block the nasolacrimal canal and keep the medication in the eye. This will maximize the effect and minimize side effects. Hold the product for 3-5 minutes;
- Repeat the same steps for the other eye.
In the process of instillation, it is important not to touch the eyelashes with a pipette so as not to violate the sterility of the drug, and also not to injure the eye. Elderly people are advised to choose drugs that are equipped with a safety tip and dispenser. The conjunctiva can hold only one drop of solution. The instillation of the second is undesirable.
When you can refuse a medicine
Despite the fact that glaucoma is a chronic disease and is cannot be cured, you can achieve a stable remission if you follow the doctor’s recommendations. At the same time, the pressure stabilizes, the regression of vision actually stops. It is no longer necessary to put in drops with a decrease in pressure.
To determine the presence of IOP, you need to see a doctor. It is not always possible to identify the problem at home since discomfort and pain in the eyes are only symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma. The open-angle shape is more insidious and often hardly perceptible. One may also have glaucoma accompanied by normal pressure. At the same time, this leads to impaired blood circulation, and therefore also requires medication.
To get adequate treatment, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations, even if your health does not deteriorate. Based on the newly obtained data, the doctor makes changes in the course of treatment to achieve the best result. In most cases, such measures are sufficient to slow down regression and preserve vision. Even if surgery is required, the IOP must be maintained afterwards with eye drops.