Why is alpha agonists used for glaucoma?

Your ophthalmologist has chosen an alpha agonist medication to treat your glaucoma. How Do Alpha Agonists Work? Alpha agonist medications are reliable for lowering the intraocular pressure. They work by decreasing the production of the fluid that the eye continually makes, called the aqueous humor.

Are adrenergic agonists used for glaucoma?

Non-selective adrenergic agonists such as epinephrine and dipivefrin are infrequently used today for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and have been replaced by the alpha-2-selective agonists.

How do alpha 2 agonists help glaucoma?

Mechanism of action: This class of IOP-lowering medication decreases intraocular pressure by reducing the amount of aqueous secretion and enhancing aqueous outflow through the uveoscleral route.

What are adrenergic agonists used for in eyes?

Ophthalmic alpha agonists are a class of drugs used in ophthalmic solutions, to constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction) in the eyes. Alpha agonist drugs stimulate the activity of protein molecules known as alpha-adrenergic receptors, found on the smooth muscles of blood vessels.

What is the treatment for high eye pressure?

High eye pressure is typically diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Like blood pressure, eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury. Medicated eye drops are a common method of treating high eye pressure.

What is beta blocker eye drops?

Beta-blockers are medicated eye drops that treat glaucoma. They cause your eye to makes less aqueous humor, which lowers pressure inside it.

What is an alpha agonist medication?

An alpha agonist is a chemical compound that stimulates alpha- adrenergic receptors. Normally these receptors interact with transmitters like adrenaline and noradrenaline. An alpha agonist can mimic the effect of these compounds and may be used therapeutically for a variety of purposes.

What are the different types of eye drops?

Eye drops and ointments can be broken down into two categories: non-prescription eye drops and prescription (Rx) eye drops. Non-prescription eye drops also are called over-the-counter, or “OTC” eye drops.