Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. According to the National Library of Medicine, it is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Glaucoma results from an increased pressure in the eye from excess fluid. Eye drops are typically one of the first treatments used for glaucoma. They work to decrease the production of fluid in the eyes and to increase the drainage of fluid from the eyes. Both would decrease the fluid pressure in the eyes.
Beta Blockers
Beta blockers are used to decrease the production of fluid in the eyes. Eye drops that are beta blockers include levobunolol, timolol, betaxolol and metipranolol. These eye drops have the brand names of Betagan, Betimol and Timoptic, Betoptic and OptiPranolol. Beta blockers can worsen breathing problems as a side effect.
Alpha Agonists
Alpha agonists are used to both decrease the production of fluid in the eyes and to increase drainage. Eye drops that are alpha agonists include apraclonidine and brimonidine, which have the brand names of Iopidine and Alphagan. Fatigue and dizziness are potential side effects of these eye drops.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are used to reduce the production of fluid in the eyes. Eye drops that are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors include dorzolamide and brinzolamide, which have the brand names of Trusopt and Azopt. Tingling in the toes and fingers and frequent urination are potential side effects of these eye drops.
Prostaglandin-like Compounds
Prostaglandin-like compounds are used to increase the drainage of fluid from the eyes. Eye drops that are in this category include latanoprost, bimatoprost and travoprost, which have the brand names of Xalatan, Lumigan and Travatan. Reddening of the eyes and stinging in the eyes are potential side effects.
Miotic or Cholinergic Agents
Miotic or cholinergic agents are used to increase the drainage of fluid from the eyes. Eye drops that are in this category include pilocarpine, which is used in the brand names Isopto Carpine and Pilopine. Another eye drop in this category is carbachol, which has the brand name Isopto Carbachol. Pain around the eyes is a potential side effect.
Epinephrine Compounds
Epinephrine compounds are used to increase the drainage of fluid from the eyes. dipivefrin, which has the brand name of Propine, is an eye drop in this category. Potential side effects include red eyes and heart palpitations.
