Glaucoma is an eye related ailment which may show up when intraocular pressure increases. Damaged optic nerves may send improper visual messages to brain. So, if left unchecked, this ailment may – over a period of time – lead to blindness. A few medications in the form of eye drops are widely used to reduce ocular pressure. Such eye drops are used on a regular basis for better outcomes. Can dorzolamide be used for treating ocular hypertension? It is a wise thing to know more about this before starting your medication plan.
Ocular wellbeing is influenced by the level of fluid pressure in eyes. It becomes a problem when this pressure becomes too high. This condition is labelled as ocular hypertension. People who live with such hypertensive conditions are advised to check their ocular pressure on a regular basis. Persistent spells or chronic episodes of high pressure inside the eye can lead to open angle version of glaucoma. This condition has a direct bearing on the health of your optical nerves. Treatment offered in a timely manner can prevent the onset of blindness. As glaucoma is unlikely to show up in the form of any characteristic signs, those with a family history of glaucoma may need to stay watchful. One of the proven ways to keep a tab is to check your eyes periodically.
What is dorzolamide eye drop and how to use it?
Eye drops are widely prescribed to reduce the build-up of high pressure in eyes. A drug called dorzolamide is commonly used to treat such conditions. A key task this drug performs is the regulation of liquids present inside eyes and also helps reduce inner eye pressure levels. Timely attention and prompt treatment to reduced inner eye pressures can help prevent blindness. You need to know that this ocular drug falls under a family of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibiting drugs. Though it is widely applied, it is safe to understand the side effects and precautions associated with its use.
It is important to know how to safely use this drug. Tilt your head to the rear side and look upwards; now, pull down lower eyelid a bit to make a small pouch. Press the pack to ensure a drop falls off into this pouch i.e., made off your lower eyelid. Once you have applied it, see down and close the eye. Let it remain closed for a few minutes say, 2 or 3 minutes. It is important to remember that you must not rub the eyes; blinking is also not safe – all these practices may flush the drug out of your eyes.
Can the use of dorzolamide eye drops trigger adverse side effects?
Dorzolamide is likely to trigger a few undesired side effects. Severe side effects are unlikely to show up; but, be wary of severe discomforts such as changes in your eyesight, yellow coloration of eyes, signs of an infection, swelling of eyes or painful eyes, especially while blinking or seeing remote objects. Upon witnessing any of these side effects, consult with your eye doctor i.e., an ophthalmologist. In general, take needful medical support quickly at a hospital, without much delay.
Apart from the aforesaid adverse side effects, dorzolamide may trigger a few common or minor discomforts. These include blurring of vision (on a temporary basis), migraines, abundant flow of tears, temporary discoloration of eyes and hypersensitivity to sunlight or other ambient light sources. The good news is these minor discomforts are temporary in nature. They may go away on their own once your eye (s) gets used to key chemicals of this med. But, if these effects are not disappearing, take needful clinical support from a qualified caregiver.
It is essential to share details about your current medical condition with your caregiver. For example, pregnant women need to tell their doctor about their pregnancy. The impact of key ingredients of dorzolamide on pregnant women is not fully assessed. Hence, as a safety precaution, childbearing women are never prescribed to use this ophthalmic med. Some caregivers have however prescribed this eye drop during early trimesters of pregnancy; such uses are mostly done when the need to use this med becomes essential. Moreover, it is important to know that your doctor has prescribed this eye drop only when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Studies done on how safe this drug is for breastfeeding mothers have drawn very limited conclusions of its safety. But, it is widely regarded as unsafe for nursing mothers. Those who are breastfeeding their infant must consult with their treating physician about risks involved and seek safer alternatives.
If you are using contact lenses, it is a safe practice to remove them before using this ophthalmic med. Your eye doctor will advise waiting for 20 – 30 minutes after applying this med prior to using contact lenses. This med may blur your eyesight or may alter the sense of vision (temporarily). As a result, you may find it difficult to drive vehicles or work with machinery. It is a safe practice to keep away from tasks requiring a high degree of focus.
Dorzolamide is unlikely to cause any severe allergies. However in a few one-off cases, a few allergic reactions like drowsiness, skin conditions such as itchiness or rashes, excessive levels of dizziness, breathing difficulties like wheezing or slower respiratory rate have shown up. Upon sensing one or more of these allergies, it is highly recommended to dial 911 on an emergency mode. Those living in US can also call the helpdesk of FDA. On the other hand, people living in any of the Canadian provinces may rush to a local poison control unit; they can also reach out to Health Canada for help.
In sum, dorzolamide belongs to a family of meds known as carbonic anhydrase inhibiting drugs. It regulates the presence of fluids in eyes and controls eye pressure. If left untreated, your eyes may witness a medical condition called ocular hypertension. Such hypertensive spells, if left untreated, may cause partial or permanent spells of blindness. This eye drop is not an over the counter drug. It is administered under the supervision of a qualified eye doctor or ophthalmologist. It is equally important to tell your caregiver about other eye medications that you are currently using. Above all, it is a safe practice to know the likely risks and precautions needed prior to starting your treatment plan.