Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in clinical practice is usually perceived in glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Options for reducing IOP rely on pharmacological agents, laser treatments and surgery which may be penetrating or non-penetrating. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to improve quality of life through reduction of IOP to preserve visual function.
The existence of Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) and secondary causes of glaucoma reinforce the need for a variety of IOP lowering treatment options with differing mechanisms of action and speed of onset. Although the aetiology of glaucoma is multifactorial the only modifiable risk factor is IOP and numerous studies have shown that reducing IOP prevents glaucoma or delays progression of established disease. Clinical options Prostaglandin derivatives Currently, the most effective drugs for pressure reduction…
