Pre-glaucoma medication study

Question:

I have a history of elevated eye pressure but my eye doctor still hasn’t diagnosed glaucoma. Even without this diagnosis, would it make sense to start taking glaucoma medications?

Answer:

A definitive diagnosis of glaucoma usually requires any combination of elevated eye pressure, changes in optic nerve head or a loss of visual field. If you just have elevated pressures, your eye doctor may assign a diagnosis of glaucoma suspect. Depending on the pressure measurements, family history and a patient’s overall health, a doctor may begin prescribing anti-glaucoma medications for glaucoma-suspect patients.

A study published in June 2002 supports this early intervention by concluding that topical anti-glaucoma medications delayed the onset of primary open-angle glaucoma. This study examined people between ages 40 and 80 who had elevated eye pressure but had not developed glaucoma. Half were given drops to reduce eye pressure and the other half were observed. In the group that received anti-glaucoma drops, only 4.4% developed open angle glaucoma; in the group that did not receive treatment, 9.5% developed open angle glaucoma.

Open angle glaucoma affects approximately 2.2 million Americans over age 40; another two million may have the disease and not know it. Open angle glaucoma occurs when fluid that flows in and out of the eye drains too slowly, causing fluid to back up and raise eye pressure. Elevated pressure in the eye may damage the optic nerve, resulting in permanent peripheral (side) vision loss. As glaucoma progresses, increasing loss of vision and blindness can result.

Despite the benefits of delaying the onset of glaucoma, this treatment isn’t appropriate for everyone. An individual’s risk of developing glaucoma, overall physical and mental health, potential side effects of the medication and the expense of long-term treatment should all be used to determine if treatment is appropriate.

Pete Whitted, MD, JD

Midwest Eye Care, PC

4353 Dodge Street

Omaha, NE 68131

402-552-2020 or 800-213-2020