Because glaucoma may not initially cause symptoms, the best form of prevention is to have regular eye exams.
Patients with narrow angles should avoid certain medications (including some over-the-counter medications, such as some cold or allergy medications). Patients who are glaucoma-susceptible (i.e. have narrow angles and borderline IOPs) should be advised to read the warning labels on over-the-counter medicines and inform physicians of products they are considering taking. Steroids may also raise IOP, so patients may need to be monitored more frequently if it is necessary for them to use steroids.
Not enough is known about the underlying mechanisms of glaucoma to prevent the disease itself. However, prevention of optic nerve damage from glaucoma is essential and can be accomplished when glaucoma is diagnosed and treated. As more is learned about the genes that cause glaucoma, it may become possible to test DNA and identify potential glaucoma victims, so they can be treated before IOPs become elevated.
AgonistA drug that mimics one of the body’s own molecules.
Alpha-2 agonist (alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist)A class of drugs that binds to and stimulates alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, causing responses similar to those of adrenaline and noradrenaline. They inhibit aqueous humor production and have a wide variety of side effects, including dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness.
Aqueous humorA transparent liquid, contained in the anterior chamber (between the cornea and lens) of the eye, that is composed of water, sugars, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients.
Beta blocker (beta-adrenergic blocker)A class of drugs that binds to beta-adrenergic receptors and thereby decreases the ability of the body’s own natural epinephrine to bind to those receptors, leading to inhibition of various processes in the body’s sympathetic system. Beta blockers can slow the heart rate, constrict airways in the lungs, lower blood pressure, and reduce aqueous secretion by ciliary tissues in the eye.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitorA class of diuretic drugs that inhibits the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme involved in producing bicarbonate, which is required for aqueous humor production by the ciliary tissues in the eye. Thus, inhibitors of this enzyme decrease aqueous humor production. Some side effects of these drugs are urinary frequency, kidney stones, loss of the sense of taste, depression, and anemia.
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