Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
[Ocular intolerance to antiglaucoma medications is underestimated]
1Clinique Sourdille, Nantes, France. h.bd@free.fr
Bulletin De La Societe Belge D'Ophtalmologie
|December 1, 2010
Summary
Antiglaucoma eyedrops are effective but can cause significant ocular intolerance and side effects in up to 50% of patients. Early detection and management of these reactions are crucial for successful glaucoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Glaucoma management has shifted towards topical medications over surgical interventions.
- A significant number of patients rely solely on eyedrops for intraocular pressure control.
Purpose:
- To review the mechanisms of ocular intolerance and side effects associated with antiglaucoma eyedrops.
- To emphasize the importance of early detection and appropriate management strategies for ocular surface toxicity.
Summary:
- Topical antiglaucoma medications can lead to ocular intolerance and side effects in up to 50% of patients, impacting compliance.
- Mechanisms include immunological reactions (3-10%) and direct/indirect toxicity (e.g., pH, osmolarity, preservatives, microbial flora alteration).
- Histological studies and in vivo confocal microscopy have elucidated these adverse effects.
Impact:
- Early identification of intolerance is vital for adjusting treatment strategies.
- Management involves reducing preservatives, using fixed combinations, decreasing instillation frequency, and treating the ocular surface.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...