Betagan: FDA Approved Eye Drops for the Treatment of Glaucoma

For individuals who suffer from glaucoma, the challenges of living with vision deterioration can be emotionally exhausting. In an effort to save vision from progressive deterioration, many patients are turning to the use of prescription eye drops to alleviate the intraocular pressure of the eye.

Betagan, and FDA approved eye drop, is a prescription that is commonly used to treat glaucoma. As a prescription drug that alleviates pressure in the intraocular space of the eye, Betagan can significantly alter the progression of vision complications commonly associated with glaucoma.

Dosing of Betagan eye drops is generally given in one to two drops, in each affected eye, once per day. In severe cases of glaucoma, the ophthalmologist may recommend dosing at twice per day. As a beta blocker, containing sulfite preservatives, Betagan, in a once-per-day dosing formula, provides great results to patients with glaucoma ranging from mild to very severe.

As with any FDA approved drug, the use of Betagan eye drops, in treating glaucoma, does not come without side effects. Most commonly, side effects are reported as weakness around and within the eye muscles, drooping of the eyelids, burning or tingling in the affected eye, nausea, congestion, low blood pressure and even headache and changes to heart rhythm.

In severe adverse reactions to Betagan eye drops, complications involving cardiovascular restriction or difficulties with breathing should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately. While the eye drops are placed into the eyes with each dosing, the medication does stream into the blood stream and potentially affect other vital bodily systems.