Ph- Eye Flashcards
What challenges the delivery of drugs to the eye from systemic absorption?
How should drugs to the eye be delivered?
The eye is separated from systemic circulation by:
- blood-retinal barrier
- blood-aqueous barrier
- blood-vitreous barrier
For this reason, most therapeutic strategies involve:
- topical delivery with eye drops
- placement in the inf. fornix [cul-de-sac]
- retrobulbar, intraocular, intravitreal injection
_____________ is considered a clear risk factor for development of glaucoma and _________________ will cause irreversible damage via induced ischemia in the optic nerve and retina.
Optical hypertension is a risk for glaucoma.
High intraocular pressure will cause irreversible damage via induced ischemia in the optic nerve and retina
Describe the flow of aqueous humor.
- Ciliary bodies produce and secrete aqueous humor into the posterior chamber
- flow between the lens and iris into anterior chamber
- drained through trabecular meshwork into Schlemm’s canal and venous return
- uveosclerol return contributes a SMALL portion of drainage
What is acute congestive glaucoma?
What is the typical cause of blockage?
Narrow angle/closed angle glaucoma
- the angle btw the iris and corneal endothelium is shallow but allows normal flow of aqueous humor
If the iris dilates [mydriasis] it will close the narrow angle causing blockage of aqueous humor and acute rise in intraocular pressure.
What is the treatment for acute closed angle glaucoma?
Miotic drugs because they will constrict the pupil, pulling the iris away from the corneal endothelium opening the passage of aqueous humor.
- Pilocarpine - musc. agonist
- Physostigmine- AchEI indirectly stimulating musc.
- osmotic agents to remove fluid from the eye
- surgery w/ peripheral iridotomy
What causes chronic simple- open angle glaucoma?
There is NO physical obstruction, but flow through the trabecular network is reduced for unknown reasons
Describe the presentation of open angle/chronic simple glaucoma.
What are the 2 goals of treatment?
It has gradual onset and usually doesn’t cause symptoms until partial vision loss.
- lower intraocular pressure [even if it is in the normal range] by decreasing production of aqueous humor or increasing outflow
- increase perfusion of the retina and optic nerve
What 3 surgical procedures can be done for open angle glaucoma to help drain aqueous humor?
- laser trabeculoplasty - open clogged drainage channel
- trabeculectomy - opening in the sclera that can drain fluid into a bleb on the outer layer of the eyeball
- drainage implants
What is the mechanism of pilocarpine?
What type of glaucoma does it treat?
What are potential side effects?
It is a muscarinic agonist that increases aqueous outflow by contracting ciliary muscles.
It treats acute glaucoma.
Side effects:
- accomodative spasm
- reduced vision in patients with cataracts
What is the mechanism of physostigmine?
What type of glaucoma does it treat?
What is a side effect?
It is an AchE inhibitor that indirectly increases aqueous outflow in the same way as pilocarpine
It treats acute glaucoma.
Side effect:
1. AchE poisoning if systemically absorbed
What are the 2 drugs of choice for monotherapy of chronic open angle glaucoma?
What is the mechanism of action of each?
What are potential side effects?
Timolol is a B-adrenergic antagonist that:
- inhibits aqueous humor production
- helps perfuse/prevent ischemia in optic nerves
Side effects:
May exacerbate asthma or COPD if there is systemic absorption
Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2a analog that increases outflow of aqueous humor via uveoscleral pathway [like epi]. The only side effect is increased iris pigmentation
How is epinephrine used to treat glaucoma?
It is an alpha agonist that:
- reduces aqueous production
- improves aqueous humor outflow via uveoscleral pathway
What is the mechanism of action of dorzolamide?
What type of glaucoma is it used to treat?
What are side effects?
Dorzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces production of aqueous humor.
It treats open angle glaucoma.
Side effects: bitter taste, headache, nausea, fatigue
What are mannitol and glycerin used for in the treatment of glaucoma?
They are osmotic agents that reduce aqueous humor volume.
Why does compliance tend to be an issue with using glaucoma meds?
- irritating side effects [including burning from eye drops]
- frequent dosing regimens
- lack of experience benefit