Pilocarpine is a prescription medication available in oral forms and as an ophthalmic solution. Pilocarpine ophthalmic is a miotic drug, meaning it decreases pupil size. This effect increases drainage of intraocular fluid from the eye and thus reduces eye pressure, as explained by the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Pilocarpine ophthalmic solution is useful for treating different types of glaucoma, and some physicians prescribe it for reducing a possible side effect of eye surgery.
Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma
Pilocarpine ophthalmic can treat the most common type of glaucoma--chronic open-angle glaucoma, also known as primary open-angle glaucoma. People with this type of glaucoma often do not develop symptoms until eye damage has occurred, but the disorder is detectable through a routine eye exam, as advised by the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the drainage canals of the eye gradually become clogged, leading to an elevation in eye pressure that causes damage to the optic nerve head. This type of glaucoma typically affects both eyes similarly. Recommended dosage of pilocarpine eye drops for adults and children is one drop one to four times daily, according to Drugs.com. Adults and teenagers can apply pilocarpine eye gel once daily at bedtime instead, while physicians determine the appropriate eye gel dosage for children on an individual basis.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Pilocarpine ophthalmic also is useful for treating angle-closure glaucoma, a type of glaucoma that can be chronic or acute. In this disorder, the drainage angle of the eye narrows and becomes completely blocked. The acute condition develops suddenly and calls for immediate emergency attention by an ophthalmologist, according to Glaucoma Associates of Texas. Symptoms include severe pain in the brow area, eye redness, blurred vision, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Pilocarpine eye drops can treat both chronic and acute angle-closure glaucoma. The treatment for the chronic form is the same as for open-angle glaucoma, according to Drugs.com, while the acute form requires one drop every five to 10 minutes for up to six doses, for both adults and children. One drop every one to three hours after this should be applied until the eye pressure decreases.
Secondary Glaucoma
Another cause of glaucoma involves cysts within the eye, as explained by Glaucoma Associates of Texas. These cysts are uncommon and may run in families. Glaucoma as a complication of eye cysts is rare, and this condition, known as secondary glaucoma, is rare. Pilocarpine ophthalmic can normalize elevated eye pressure in secondary glaucoma if it does occur.
Eye Surgery Side Effects
Some physicians prescribe pilocarpine ophthalmic for LASIK patients who see halos around lights and glare effects at night after their surgery. Optometric Management cautions that most LASIK patients who have this problem were high myopes, or extremely near-sighted, before surgery. These patients are at increased risk of retinal detachment, and the pupil constriction caused by pilocarpine can further elevate this risk.
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