Management
Parasympathomimetic
agents
Increase trabecular
outflow
• Increased myopia
• Decreased vision
• Cataract
• Periocular contact dermatitis
• Allergic conjunctivitis/contact
dermatitis
• Conjunctival scarring
• Conjunctival shrinkage
• Keratitis
• Paradoxical angle closure
• Retinal tears/detachment
• Eye or brow ache/pain
• Increased salivation
• Abdominal cramps
Topical carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors
(mainly with systemic
use)
Decrease aqueous
production
• Allergic dermatitis/conjunctivitis
• Corneal edema
• Keratitis
• Metallic taste
Oral carbonic
anhydrase inhibitors
Decrease aqueous
production
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Malaise, anorexia, depression
• Serum electrolyte imbalance
• Renal calculi
• Blood dyscrasias (aplastic anemia,
thrombocytopenia)
• Metallic taste
• Enuresis
• Parasthesia
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
Hyperosmotic agents Dehydration of
vitreous
• Headache
• CHF
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Renal failure
• Diabetic complications
• Mental confusion
Adapted with permission from the American Academy of Ophthalmolog y Practicing
Ophthalmologists Curriculum (POC) Panel Chairs and Vice Chairs. Practicing Ophthalmologists
Curriculum 2014–2016. Glaucoma. Available at: http://one.aao.org/POCTopics. Accessed May 29,
2015.
Table 2. Glaucoma Medications (cont'd)
Drug Classification Methods of Action Potential Side Effects
8
