Eye Pressure Medications and Floaters: Key Concerns - Ophthalmology

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Questions regarding floaters and the use of eye drops for high intraocular pressure?


Hello Doctor: I have three questions I would like to ask you.
Two weeks ago, during my routine check-up, it was found that my intraocular pressure was elevated (20).
The physician prescribed "Dorzolamide" and "Brimonidine," and after using them for two weeks, my intraocular pressure decreased to 17.
The doctor then switched my prescription to "Brimonidine" and "Timolol," instructing me to continue using them four times a day.
1.
Will using so many eye drops long-term affect my eyes? After all, they are medications, not just supplements.
2.
To lower my intraocular pressure, will I need to use these eye drops for life to prevent my pressure from rising again?
3.
During this visit, I expressed my recent concern about floaters, and the doctor took some pictures with an instrument.
After confirming that my retina was fine, he prescribed "Ketorolac" for me to use four times a day.
However, I noticed that the box states it is an eye drop for the treatment of early cataracts.
Does this mean I have early cataracts? If not, why would I need to use Ketorolac for floaters?
The physician had many patients at the time and couldn't answer my questions, so I had to seek help online.
I appreciate your assistance in clarifying these matters.
Thank you!

Sam, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/14

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Sam:
Sankcab: Vitamin B12.
Improvement of ocular muscle symptoms.

1.
Use as needed; if there are no symptoms, it may not be necessary.
Side effects are minimal.

2.
You did not mention any medications for lowering intraocular pressure.

3.
There may be some signs of cataracts.
If necessary, follow your physician's instructions for follow-up visits to measure intraocular pressure.

Reply Date: 2021/11/14

More Info


Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding eye pressure medications and floaters. It’s great that you are proactive about your eye health. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Long-term Use of Eye Medications: It’s understandable to be concerned about the long-term use of eye medications. Generally, the medications prescribed for lowering eye pressure, such as "散克巴" (which I assume is a form of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and "舒明視" (which may be a prostaglandin analog), are designed to be safe for long-term use. However, like any medication, they can have side effects. Common side effects may include eye irritation, redness, or changes in eyelash growth. It’s important to have regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist to monitor any potential side effects and to ensure that the medications are still effective and necessary. If you experience any unusual symptoms, you should report them to your doctor immediately.

2. Lifelong Medication for Eye Pressure: The necessity of lifelong medication depends on the underlying cause of your elevated eye pressure. In some cases, individuals may need to use these medications indefinitely to manage their eye pressure and prevent conditions like glaucoma. However, if your eye pressure stabilizes and remains within a normal range, your doctor may consider reducing the frequency of the medication or even discontinuing it. It’s crucial to have regular eye exams to assess your eye pressure and overall eye health, as this will guide your treatment plan.

3. Use of "柯寧優尼" for Floaters: The prescription of "柯寧優尼" (which I assume is a medication for cataracts) in the context of floaters can be confusing. Floaters are typically caused by changes in the vitreous gel of the eye and are common, especially as people age. While this medication is often used for cataracts, it may also have properties that help with eye health or reduce inflammation. It’s not uncommon for doctors to prescribe medications that may not seem directly related to the primary issue but can provide supportive care for overall eye health. If your doctor did not indicate that you have cataracts, it’s likely that the medication is being used to address other concerns related to your eye health or to manage symptoms associated with floaters.

In summary, while long-term use of eye medications can be necessary, it’s essential to have ongoing communication with your ophthalmologist about your treatment plan. Regular check-ups will help ensure that your medications are effective and that any side effects are managed. If you have further concerns about the medications or your eye health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for clarification. They can provide the most personalized advice based on your specific situation. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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