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Keep a close watch on your eyes!
If neglected, glaucoma can cost you your eyesight. Characterised by increased pressure in the eye, glaucoma can be triggered or aggravated by certain types of medication. Which is why self-medication can be a real danger, even with drugs that are freely available over the counter.
The most common form of the disease – primary open angle glaucoma – can lead to a gradual reduction in the field of vision. In its most acute form – closed angle glaucoma – the eye becomes red, hard, very painful and visual acuity falls rapidly. This is an emergency situation requiring surgery and can be caused by the use of certain medicines. Conversely, chronic glaucoma requires ongoing, lifelong treatment.
Some pharmaceutical products are especially likely to trigger an acute glaucoma crisis! First of all, there are the solutions used to clear a blocked nose, and certain types of eye wash (collyrium) used to treat redness of the eyes. All these drugs contain ephedrine. But there are many others that also come into this category: certain antispasmodics, medicines known as antisecretories used to treat stomach-ache, and also sedatives, antidepressants and sleeping tablets. Not forgetting anti-allergens, broncho-dilators and cold and ’flu tablets. Quite a number in fact!
And remember that after the age of 40 you should have your eyes checked as a matter of course once a year. And always use medicines with caution, whether you get them from your medicine cabinet at home or buy them over the counter at a pharmacy!
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