Pharmacologic and Natural Therapeutics in Glaucoma Management

Abstract

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. As diseased population continues to grow, it is important to review both the well-established and recently developed therapeutics available today to best treat this ocular condition. This chapter will discuss the pharmacologic therapies most commonly used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open angle glaucoma patients. It will also examine both natural agents and lifestyle modifications that have been shown to have an effect on intraocular pressure. The prostaglandin analog latanoprost, continues to be the most widely accepted first line medication used to treat glaucoma. However, the efficacious, recently developed, Rho-kinase inhibitor Netarsudil, and fixed dose combination of Netarsudil-Latanoprost should continue to increase in utilization. Multiple mechanisms are often used together to treat glaucoma. Fixed dose combination drug therapy has the potential to decrease patient burden, increase compliance, and improve clinical outcomes.