Table 1 of
Sharma, Mol Vis 2021; 27:480-493. Table 1 of
Sharma, Mol Vis 2021; 27:480-493.
Table 1. An overview of the different categories of drugs that are administered as ocular drops for maintaining IOP levels by the clinicians
| Category | Example | Mode of Action | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cholinergic drugs | Pilocarpene | Increase TM outflow by causing the ciliary muscles to contract | Effective but causes side effects like dim vision |
| α-adrenergic receptor agonists | Brimonidine | Decrease AH production, and increase outflow via uveal sclera route | Allergic reaction is prominent |
| β-Adrenergic receptor antagonists (β-blockers) | Levobunolol, Timonol | Reduce AH inflow, by inhibiting its production in the ciliary body | Rare systemic effects such as bradycardia and fatigue |
| Prostaglandin analogs | Latanoprost, Tafluprost, Bimatoprost | Causes ECM morphogenesis via action of MMP’s, increases outflow facility via uveal sclera pathway | First choice of clinicians, least side effects |
| Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors | Brinzolamide, Dorzolamide | Decrease AH production | Oral administration is more efficient butcauses side effects such as paresthesia of the hands and feet |