Health of your eyes depends on the pressure level of fluids inside eyes. At times, the internal pressure may increase leading to a hypertensive condition. High pressure can be due to the onset of glaucoma, especially, its open angle form. It becomes important to optimal ocular pressure. If left untreated, high pressure of eye fluids can result in partial or full blindness. Eye drops are administered to lessen your eye pressure levels. In this milieu, dorzolamide is widely used. However, it is essential to know more about the likely uses of this ophthalmic med prior to starting your medication plan.
Glaucoma is an ocular condition associated with an increase in pressure levels of eyes. This eye condition can impair the health of your optic nerves. Once these essential nerves are damaged, they may stop sending messages to your brain. If people do not treat it in a timely manner, it may cause permanent blindness. As glaucoma does not show up in the form of any prior signs, it is important to check your vision periodically. Those who have a family history of such conditions are more likely to get it. The best way to take care of your eyes is to opt for regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist.
What is dorzolamide and what are its common uses?
Various types of eye drops or ophthalmic solutions are available to reduce liquid pressure inside eyes. One of the most commonly prescribed eye drops is dorzolamide. The chief function of this ophthalmic med is to decrease the level of intraocular pressure. Reduction in inner eye pressure is a sure way to stop the onset of partial or complete blindness. This med is categorized under a genre of meds known as carbonic anhydrase inhibiting drugs.
Safe use of dorzolamide
This is not an over the counter drug. Hence, dorzolamide is administered under the guidance of an eye doctor. It is used only in your eyes. Typical dose is a single drop in the eye or eyes that are affected. Such a dose is administered 3 times per day. It is essential to follow the instructions of your caregiver. It is unsafe to use handle the dropper with bare hands. It is important to wash your hands properly prior to using it. Those who are wearing contact lenses must remove them before applying eye drops. It is essential to wait for at least 20 minutes before wearing contact lenses again.
If you are using other ophthalmic meds, wait for at least 15 minutes before proceeding to use any other eye meds or ointment. This med must be used regularly to obtain better results. Also, those who used it at the same time each day received the fullest benefits. As glaucoma or other such high eye pressure ailments do not make you fall ill, it is recommended to keep using dorzolamide till your doctor tells you to stop it.
How to apply this eye drop?
While applying dorzolamide, you are advised to tilt your head backwards. Then look upwards and pull your lower eyelids downwards. Once you have a pouch-like formation, let a single drop to fall inside it. Soon after applying, look downwards and close your eye(s). Keep it closed for upto 100 seconds. Now, press the corner of your eyes in a gentle manner with a finger. Never rub your eyes or start blinking; these may flush eye drops out of the eye.
What are the side effects of dorzolamide? This ophthalmic solution is likely to cause a few side effects. Common among them are headache, a stinging sensation, blurring of vision and watery discharge from eyes. In some cases, users have experienced reddening of eyes, turned sensitive to light, etc. Most of these are temporary discomforts; they may disappear on their own as your eyes get used to the active ingredients. However, if one or more of these discomforts continues for long, talk to your treating doctor as quickly as possible.
A few severe side effects of dorzolamide
In some one-off instances, dorzolamide may cause a few severe side effects; these include changes in eyesight, discoloration of eyes (turning yellow), early symptoms of infections (such as increase in body temperature, soreness of throat, tremors, etc.). You are advised to seek medical help on an emergency basis upon witnessing inflammation of eyelids or eyes or persistent pain in your eyes.
Possible allergic reactions
This ophthalmic med is unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. But, in some rare instances, allergies like itchiness, spells of drowsiness or dizziness, respiratory problems such as gasping for breath are observed. In all such cases, call 911 without further delay i.e., if you are in the US. Those who live in Canada are advised to contact with a poison control unit or call Health Canada as quickly as possible.
People with prior ailment or clinical conditions must share needful details with their eye doctor. If you are living with hepatic conditions such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, renal problems such as formation of stones in your kidneys, it is safe to stay cautious of using dorzolamide. Women who are pregnant must stay away from this med. However, it may be used when your doctor finds no other alternative to treat an eye condition.
It is not clear if the key chemicals of this drug enter into mother’s milk. So, if you are nursing a newly born baby, talk to your treating doctor about the likely risks and seek safer alternatives. Last but not least, this med can cause temporary blurring of eyesight and can make you unstable. Owing to such inherent risks, never engage in activities like driving, use of heavy machinery, etc. In general, never indulge in any activities needing a high level of concentration or focus.
In sum, dorzolamide helps decrease pressure levels inside eyes. Decrease in high eye pressure helps inhibit onset of blindness. This med is labelled under a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibiting drugs. The standard dose is one (1) drop, repeated 3 times each day. Never use this drug without the prescription of a qualified eye doctor. Side effects include blurring of eyesight and reddening of eyes, etc. But, these are only temporary discomforts. However, if these effects persist or if you witness other eye conditions, seek medical attention on an emergency mode. Above all, if you wish to know more about how to safely use this ophthalmic med, talk to your eye doctor about it.