Opthalmology

Unit 6: Differential Diagnosis of Blurred Vision

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG)

Treatment

  • First line treatment involves lowering IOP with eye drops that suppress aqueous humor production:
    • Beta blockers *
    • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
    • Alpha agonists
  • Or increasing aqueous outflow:
    • Prostaglandin analogues
  • If these don’t give satisfactory results then the trabecular meshwork can be lasered to open up drainage, or an alternative drainage route can be made by undertaking glaucoma filtration surgery (trabeculectomy).

* CAUTION: Beta blocker eye drops can aggravate bradycardia and obstructive airways disease, so always review ocular medications when managing either condition.