Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is the most
common type of glaucoma and is generally treated by eye drops, laser treatment
and/or surgery to help reduce the eye pressure or intraocular pressure (IOP).
Certain systemic medications that you take for anxiety or depression that are
in the class called “SSRI,” such as Zoloft, Prozac, Celexa and Paxil, or blood
pressure medications in the class called “calcium channel blockers,” such as
Norvasc, Cadizem, Procardia and Calan may be associated with your glaucoma
risk. SSRIs are
strongly associated with a reduced risk of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma whereas
calcium channel blockers were strongly associated with an increased risk.
According to researchers reporting in Ophthalmology, the official journal of
the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this is important and useful information
to us as we assess your risk of glaucoma, but is helpful to researchers seeking
new medications for the treatment of glaucoma as it might indicate novel
approaches with medications used for other systemic diseases.
If
you or someone you know would like to learn more about glaucoma risk and
systemic medications or schedule a glaucoma eye exam, please call Center
for Sight 508-730-2020 visit Center for Sight, Google+ or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver to schedule an appointment.
Center for Sight is conveniently located
at 1565
North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from
Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
