Praktické lekárnictvo 4/2012

Current opinions on the treatment of glaucoma

The authors point to the importance of treatment of glaucoma, because untreated disease leads into progressive central vision loss and then into blindness. They accept theory, that glaucoma is result of conflict between intraocular pressure and perfusion pressure of the optic nerve head (disc). In therapy is proved additive and synergic effect of combination of antiglaucomatics. Nowadays there is increasing importance of neuroprotection as well to prevent glaucomatous neuropathy of optic nerve. In therapy of glaucoma are used drugs from different pharmacological groups- parasympathomimetic drugs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sympathomimetics, alfa sympatholytics and prostaglandin analogues. The mechanism of action of these groups is applied to reduce production or increase outflow of aqueous humour, to decrease episcleral blood pressure as well to improve outflow through uveoscleral duct.

Keywords: glaucoma, parasympathomimetic drugs, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, sympathomimetics, alfa sympatholytics, prostaglandin analogues.