Pressure rises in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. Three different treatment modalities are prescribed, each depending on how far the disease has progressed. If drops do not ameliorate the condition, laser treatment is applied. Should that approach prove unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary. All three are designed to reduce intraocular pressure.
Pilocarpine increases filtration or drainage out of the eye.
Propine achieves both functions, but now as well as either of the alternative drugs. Iopidine, a new drug, reduces pressure nicely, but only for two to three months. These drugs are not inexpensive, they do have side effects and they generally have to be taken for the rest of the patient's life. Pills such as carbonic and anhydrase inhibitors may sometimes be prescribed. However, they can have multiple side effects including drowsiness, loss of appetite, loss of weight and stomach upset.