Comp 6.1.11

Question 1

What are the first two lines of treatment for glaucoma?

Answer 1

Prostate gland in analogues or beta blockers

Question 2

Explain how prostaglandin analogues work

Answer 2

They work by increasing outflow of aqueous humour

They are to be taken one time a day, preferably in the evening.

These are more expensive

Question 3

Give an example of a prostateglandin analog

Answer 3

Latanoprost

Bimatoprost

Question 4

What are some things to be cautious of when using PA?

Answer 4

They take 2 to 3 weeks to achieve the maximum therapy to affect.

They can cause conjunctival irritation and vasodilation.

The iris can get darker.

The eyelashes can get darker and thicker.

The skin around the eyes can get darker

Question 5

What is the second type of first line therapy for glaucoma and how does it work?

Answer 5

It’s called a beta blocker, and it works by reducing the production of humour by blocking the cillary body

Question 6

What IOP levels may be indicated for beta blocker use

Answer 6

People with an IOP of above 30 are usually the ones who use Pizza blockers, and this will reduce the IOP by by 25%

Question 7

Give me some examples of beta blockers

Answer 7

Timolol

Betaxolol

Question 8

What are some things to be cautious of when using beta blockers?

Answer 8

If a patient is already on beta blockers

if a patient is asthmatic, the obstructive airways disease, interacts with other drugs

Heart, failure or heart block

Question 9

What is the second line of treatment for glaucoma?

Answer 9

That would be using a combination of prostaglandin analogues and beta blockers. For example, xalacom

This is given, if IOP do not reduce the first line of treatment.

Question 10

What is a third line of treatment for glaucoma?

Answer 10

That would be to use alpha 2 agonist or carbonic anydrase inhibitors