The management of glaucoma and intraocular hypertension: current approaches and recent advances

Robert J Noecker

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Eye and Ear Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Abstract: In the last decade, numerous novel ocular hypotensive agents have been introduced for the control of intraocular pressure (IOP). Clinicians now have more options than ever in the selection of medical therapy for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. When selecting an ocular hypotensive medication for their patients, clinicians should consider not only the IOP-lowering efficacy of an agent, but also the ability of the drug to allow patients to achieve target levels of IOP that are low enough to stop the progression of glaucomatous damage. Other considerations should include how well the drug controls diurnal IOP, the likelihood of serious adverse events, the versatility of the medication for use as an adjunctive agent, as well as other potential attributes (ie, neuroprotection).

Keywords: glaucoma, ocular hypertension, intraocular pressure, target pressure