Eye Disorders: Glaucoma Overview

Intraocular pressure (IOP) greater than 21mm Hg

High IOP is a significant risk factor for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

POAG is treated with medications to lower IOP, including beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, prostaglandin analogs, and cholinergic agonists.

A sudden onset, serious form of glaucoma with potential for irreversible blindness in 1-2 days if left untreated

Acute ocular pain, seeing halos, brow pain, nausea, blurred vision, and photophobia

Reducing IOP with medication, and then restoring iris position with surgery

Osmotic agents are the first-line medications for angle-closure glaucoma treatment. They manage the condition until corrective surgery is possible.

Beta2-blockers should be avoided in clients with chronic respiratory disease due to potential airway constriction.

Beta-blockers can cause heart block, bradycardia, bronchospasm, and hypotension

A single eye drop, once or twice daily, is the typical administration method for brimonidine.

Beta blockers might increase cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Avoid in patients with bradycardia, AV heart block, or heart failure.

Administer brimonidine with contact lenses removed. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion to prevent absorption into the lens

Apply gentle pressure to the nasolacrimal duct for 30-60 seconds after administering eye drops to minimize systemic absorption.

Brimonidine can cross the blood-brain barrier

Beta blockers can interfere with insulin's effects, requiring careful blood glucose monitoring for diabetic patients.

Reddened sclera is caused by blood vessel engorgement.

Osmotic agents are Pregnancy Risk Category C.

Osmotic agents treat rapid progression of closed-angle glaucoma.

Osmotic agents make plasma hypertonic, pulling fluid from the eye.

Common osmotic agent used for glaucoma.

Possible cross-reactivity with sulfonamides possible.

Nausea, diarrhea, and other GI effects are possible.

Potential for sodium and potassium depletion, plus dehydration, and liver issues.

Check for headaches, nausea, vomiting, edema, and fluid/electrolyte imbalance.

Acetazolamide is a medication used to treat glaucoma, available orally (tablet/capsule) or parenterally. It lowers intraocular pressure (IOP).

Diabetic clients taking eye medications should closely monitor blood glucose levels and watch for signs of low or high blood sugar.

Clients taking medications for eye conditions need to be watched for possible side effects that may cause concern.

If side effects are observed from glaucoma treatment, the medication may be discontinued.

High-dose aspirin use might interact with some eye medications, leading to potential side effects (e.g., metabolic acidosis).

Clients experiencing flank pain should inform their healthcare provider about possible kidney stones.

Some glaucoma medications are classified as pregnancy risk category C, meaning they could have potential harmful implications for the fetus.Use during lactation is not recommended until evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Managing symptoms like fever and discomfort. Antibiotics are not used because they target bacteria.

Often involves antibiotics to fight the bacteria causing the infection.

Bacteria becoming less susceptible to antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.

Usually treated with antibiotics, such as penicillin or other oral medications.

Bacterial infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water trapped in the ear.

Sharp pain, particularly when moving the ear, itching, and decreased hearing.

Yearly flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines can reduce the risk of ear infections.

A potentially serious reaction to penicillin antibiotics.

This medication combines ciprofloxacin, a bactericidal antibiotic, with hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory steroid. This combination aims to reduce pain, swelling, and redness in the ear canal.

Topical medications like ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone are used to treat otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal.

Potential side effects of ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone include central nervous system (CNS) effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, tremors, restlessness, and even convulsions.

Another possible side effect of ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone is a skin rash.

Inform your doctor about any allergies to steroids (like dexamethasone or cortisone) before using ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone.

Before using ciprofloxacin/hydrocortisone, inform your doctor if you have allergies to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin).

To avoid developing otitis externa, it's crucial to keep the ear canal dry, especially after swimming or showering. Avoid sticking anything in your ear.

If you experience any side effects such as dizziness, rash, or tremors, report them immediately to your doctor.