What Are Adrenergic Agonists, When Are They Used To Treat Glaucoma, And What Are The Risks/Benefits?

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: What are adrenergic agonists, when are they used to treat glaucoma, and what are the risks/benefits?

Answer: Adrenergic agonist is another type of class of medications that we use to treat glaucoma. Not only does this decrease the amount of fluid the eye makes, like our beta-blockers like our carbonic anhdyrase inhibitors, but it also may have a secondary effect, where it increases your uveoscleral outflow. All of this is important only because, once again, it reduces the pressure. And if we could reduce the pressure at a level where your optic nerve is not getting damaged anymore, then we can stabilize your glaucoma.