Eye Medications
Eye Medications
CATARACTS
• Anti-cataract eye drops DO NOT dissolve
cataracts. Cataract surgery is the only proven
method to remove the clouded lens and
restore vision.
• Examples of brands anti-Cataract eye drops:
1. Vistalens
2. Kary Uni
RETINAL DISEASE MEDICATIONS
• Anti-VEGF therapy involves medications that block vascular endothelial growth
factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth, and is used
to treat conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic
retinopathy.
• Kinds of ANTI—VEGF MEDICINES:
1. Bevacizumab (Avastin)
2. Ranibizumab (Lucentis)
3. Aflibercept (Eylea), and brolucizumab (Beovu
4. AVASTIN, EYLEA, LUCENTIS, OZURDEX
• Conditions that are treated with Anti-VEGF medications:
– Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
– Macular edema
– Diabetic retinopathy
– Retinal vein occlusion
• Ozurdex: This is a tiny implant that slowly releases corticosteroid medication over
time, without the need for monthly injections. It will dissolve naturally and will not
need to be removed.
EYE LUBRICANTS
• Lubricating eye drops also called artificial tears, provide moisture and
relief for dry eyes due to temporary causes, like being tired or being in
a dry climate.
• Kinds of eye lubricants:
- Optive, Systane, Optive Fusion, Lacrifresh, Blephagel, Carbomer,
Lacryvisc
• Procedures/conditions that uses eye lubricants:
1. Dry eye
2. Corneal Abrasion
3. Computer strain
4. Post pterygium excision
5. Post cataract surgery
6. Post ROFB
7. Blepharitis
ANTI-INFECTIVES
• Antibacterial eye drops
– These are medications designed to treat bacterial eye infections, such as
conjunctivitis (pink eye), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), or more
serious infections like keratitis (infection of the cornea).
– These drops contain antibiotics that target and kill bacteria or inhibit their
growth.
– The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the specific type of bacteria
causing the infection, which is why it's important to properly diagnose the
condition before choosing an antibiotic.
– Examples of Antibacterial eye drops:
1. Tobramycin
2. Moxifloxacin
3. Levofloxacin
4. Ofloxacin
ANTI-INFECTIVES
• Antiviral eye drops and ointments
– Antiviral eye ointments and drops are both commonly used for treating viral
eye infections, particularly those caused by viruses like herpes simplex virus
(HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
– Primary goal: to reduce the severity of the infection and prevent
complications, such as corneal damage, scarring, or vision loss
• Examples of Antivirals for the eyes:
1. Acyclovir
• Form: Available as both oral and topical forms, including eye ointment.
• Usage: Acyclovir is often prescribed for treating herpes simplex virus
(HSV) keratitis (infection of the cornea) and herpes simplex conjunctivitis.
• Side Effects: Mild irritation, stinging, or blurry vision after application.
2. Ganciclovir
• Form: Available as a topical gel (not an ointment) for treating HSV
keratitis.
• Usage: Ganciclovir is highly effective for herpes simplex keratitis and
works by inhibiting the replication of the virus.
• Side Effects: The most common side effects are eye irritation and blurry
vision.
MYDRIATICS
• Mydriatics are a class of drugs used to dilate the pupils of the
eye.
• The word "mydriasis" refers to the dilation of the pupil, which is
the opposite of miosis, where the pupil constricts.
• Mydriatics are commonly used in clinical settings, particularly in
eye exams, to help healthcare providers better examine the
interior of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood
vessels. They also play a role in the management of certain eye
conditions and treatments.
• Common Mydriatic Medications:
1. Atropine
2. Tropicamide
3. Ofloxacin
EXAMPLES OF COMMONLY USED MYDRIATIC MEDICATIONS:
• Phenylephrine (Sympathomimetic)
– Uses: Primarily used for pupil dilation during eye exams or surgeries. It
can also be used in the treatment of some forms of glaucoma (as it
works as a vasoconstrictor and can decrease intraocular pressure in
certain situations).
• Atropine (Anticholinergic)
– Uses: Atropine is one of the strongest and longest-lasting mydriatic
drugs. It is often used to treat uveitis and other inflammatory eye
conditions. It is also used to dilate the pupil for comprehensive eye
exams or for cycloplegia in children.
• Tropicamide (Anticholinergic)
– Uses: Tropicamide is a short-acting mydriatic that is commonly used
for routine eye examinations. It has a faster onset and shorter
duration of action compared to atropine.
• Cyclopentolate (Anticholinergic)
– Uses: Used for cycloplegic refraction tests in children or to treat
certain types of uveitis. It temporarily paralyzes the ciliary muscle,
preventing accommodation (focusing).
PILOCARPINE
• Pilocarpine ophthalmic is used to prevent or reduce
increased pressure in the eye during and after certain
types of laser eye surgery. It is also used during an eye
exam to constrict (close) the pupil (the black part of
the eye through which you see).
• Pilocarpine is in a class of medications called miotics.
• It treats glaucoma and ocular hypertension by allowing
excess fluid to drain from the eye.
• It treats presbyopia (a condition in which the lens of
the eye loses its ability to focus making hard to see
objects up close in adults) by reducing the size of the
pupils which helps to see objects up close.
TOPICAL ANESTHESIA
• Topical anesthetic eye drops are used to temporarily numb the eye,
preventing pain during eye exams, procedures, and surgeries. They
work by blocking pain signals from the nerve endings in the eye.
• Examples of TOPICAL ANESTHESIA:
TIMOLOL
OPTIMOL
DORZOLAMIDE
TRUSOPT
DORZOLAMIDE+
COSOPT TIMOLOL
Brimonidine tartrate+
Timolol COMBIGAN
Bimatoprost LUMIGAN