Section 7-B: Topical Glaucoma Medications

In 2006, there are 5 main classes of topical medications for the treatment of glaucoma. Most either lower aqueous production (“aqueous suppressants”) or increase its outflow (“outflow drugs”) (Table 7-1). Some medications may have effect on both. Each class of eye drops can be identified by its cap color (Table 7-2).

Table 7-1
Decrease aqueous fluid production	Increase aqueous fluid outflow
Beta-blockers	Cholinergics
Alpha-adrenergics	Prostaglandin analogs
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

The choice among the various treatments depends upon a patient’s health and ocular history. Although these medications are administered topically on the eye, they can have both ocular and systemic side effects. As with any medication, allergies or intolerances may develop with continued use. Common signs and symptoms of allergy are redness, itching, burning, and swelling. If any of these develop, the treating doctor should be contacted and may require discontinuing the medication.

Table 7-2: Eye drop cap color according to medication class
Class of Medication	Eye Drop Cap Color
Prostaglandins	Clear/teal
Beta-blockers	Yellow, blue
Alpha-adrenergics	Purple
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors	Orange
Cholinergics	Green

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