Ocular hypertension treatment

Ocular hypertension treatment – we give a complete overview of the different treatment methods for angle-closure glaucoma

The approach of doctors and therapists to the treatment of ocular hypertension – i.e. increased intraocular pressure – often involves initial observation. They assess the risk based on existing factors to determine whether the increased intraocular pressure could lead to glaucoma.

Basic strategy for ocular hypertension treatment

This is of crucial importance as damage to the optic nerve is irreversible. In summary, the basic strategy is to wait, monitor and check the increased intraocular pressure at regular intervals. Examinations such as intraocular pressure measurement, ophthalmoscopy, perimetry and other procedures can be used.

Occasionally, however, treatment for ocular hypertension is required, in particular to reduce the increased intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. This usually involves the use of medication that acts locally in the eye in the form of eye drops. In rarer cases, systemically acting tablets can also be used.

The different classes of drugs for ocular hypertension treatment

There are different classes of medication that can reduce intraocular pressure in different ways. The most important groups of drugs are

• Beta-blockers: which reduce the production of aqueous humour
• Prostaglandins: which increase the outflow of aqueous humour
• Alpha agonists: which both reduce aqueous humour production and increase outflow
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: which reduce the production of aqueous humour
• Cholinergics: which increase the outflow of aqueous humour

It is possible to combine these medications with each other, and in the event of intolerance it is possible to switch to a different medication.

Options for ocular hypertension treatment

There is also the option of improving the outflow of aqueous humour using a laser (laser trabeculoplasty). In individual cases, surgical interventions can also be considered to reduce intraocular pressure. These are particularly recommended if an operation to remove cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) is already planned and can be combined with this.