What is timolol ophthalmic solution, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocking agent. Like other beta-adrenergic blocking agents, it mainly blocks the action of the sympathetic (adrenergic) nervous system, for example, on the heart. In addition to its effect on the heart, timolol causes a reduction of the pressure …
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Retinitis pigmentosa facts Genetic tests can identify genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa. Retinitis pigmentosa is a bilateral inherited condition that involves both eyes. It usually starts later in life and progresses to blindness. Low-vision rehabilitation provides some help in coping with the condition, but there is no treatment or cure at this time. What is retinitis pigmentosa? Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) …
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What is bimatoprost, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bimatoprost is a synthetic (man-made) drug that resembles and mimics the effects of natural chemicals (prostaglandins) produced by the body and is used for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and increasing the growth of eyelashes. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Bimatoprost may reduce IOP by increasing the outflow …
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What is dorzolamide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dorzolamide is an ophthalmic solution (a liquid that is placed in the eyes) that is used for treating glaucoma. It is in a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors which also includes brinzolamide (Azopt). Many parts of the body, including the eye, contain the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Carbonic …
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What is polymyxin b/trimethoprim-ophthalmic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim is an antibiotic eye drop composed of two drugs. Polymyxin B sulfate works by altering bacterial cell wall structure that causes the leaking out of cellular contents that can result in cell death. Trimethoprim is an antibiotic that interferes with the production of tetrahydrofolic acid, …
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What is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)? Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is laser eye surgery that reduces the need for corrective eyewear by reshaping the cornea of the eye, thereby changing the way the eye focuses light on the retina. An excimer laser ablates (removes) a thin layer of the cornea at its surface, changing the cornea's refractive (focusing) power. LASIK (laser-assisted in-situ …
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What is brimonidine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Brimonidine is is an ophthalmic solution used for the treatment of one type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, too much fluid (aqueous humor) is made within the eye and causes high pressures within the eye. The pressure damages the nerves in the eye responsible for …
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What is latanoprost, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Latanoprost, a derivative of the chemical, prostaglandin F2-alpha, is used for the treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure exerted by the liquid within the eyeball (the aqueous humor) is too great. The high pressure damages the optic nerve at the back of the eye. …
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What are tobramycin (Tobrex) eye drops? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Tobramycin (Tobrex) is an antibiotic eye drop. Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that kills susceptible bacteria by blocking bacterial protein synthesis. Death of susceptible bacteria occurs because of the lack of functional proteins. Tobramycin treats only bacterial eye infections and does not work for other types of …
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Phakic intraocular lenses are new devices used to correct nearsightedness. These thin lenses are implanted permanently into the eye to help reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. What are Phakic Lenses? Phakic intraocular lenses, or phakic lenses, are lenses made of plastic or silicone that are implanted into the eye permanently to reduce a person’s need for glasses …
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