AZOPT EYE DROPS (BRINZOLAMIDE)

Azopt Eye Drops Description

Annual eye exams are extremely important, especially as you get older. Ocular hypertension can be diagnosed before it causes glaucoma and permanent damage to your sight. Glaucoma is a slow and progressive condition that you probably will not be aware of until your vision becomes impaired. There is no cure for glaucoma, but your ophthalmologist can prescribe Azopt Eye Drops to reduce the pressure inside your eye before any or more damage is done to your optic nerve.

About Azopt Eye Drops and How it Can Help Your Sight

The active ingredient in Azopt Eye Drops is called Brinzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that will help to lower the building pressure in your eye. Carbolic anhydrase is an enzyme that plays a key role in regulating pH and fluid balance is your eyes and other parts of your body. This enzyme does not cause glaucoma, but its activity can incite the build-up of acidic fluid and cause pressure that may take your sight in time.

When administered as directed, Azopt Eye Drops will inhibit the action of carbonic anhydrase in your ciliary body. This is the structure in your eye that releases the fluid called aqueous humor. Excess fluid filters through a meshwork of drainage passages, but if that filtering system becomes plugged or blocked, the fluid will build up inside your eye. Azopt Eye Drops decreases the production of aqueous humor by interfering with the carbonic anhydrase enzyme so the fluid has a chance to drain without more fluid being filtered.

Conditions Treated by Azopt Eye Drops

As the pressure inside your eye builds, fragile nerve fibers of your optic nerve can become damaged and blind spots can appear. Left untreated, the entire nerve can be destroyed and your sight is irretrievably gone.

Risk factors for ocular hypertension include genetics, age, trauma to the eye, certain medications you take or use, and excessive production or inadequate drainage of aqueous humor. During an eye exam, your ophthalmologist can examine your optic nerve with a small device. If anything appears unusual, further tests can be done to decide if glaucoma is a possibility.

Before Azopt Eye Drops are Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding to be certain of any possible risks to your unborn or nursing baby with the use of Azopt Eye Drops. Report other medical conditions or allergies to the ophthalmologist and list any OTC or Rx drugs you currently use or take, including naturopathic therapy and vitamin supplements. This information can help the doctor determine if Azopt Eye Drops are the best medication for your situation.

Azopt Eye Drops Precautions and Safe Use

Remove contact lenses before instilling Azopt Eye Drops and reinsert as recommended by your doctor. Do not attempt to drive, operate machinery, or take part in any activity that may be unsafe until you can see clearly after using Azopt Eye Drops. You should never share medications with anyone, including Azopt Eye Drops, and all meds should be stored safely out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Azopt Eye Drops

• Temporary impaired vision
• Burning or stinging
• Unusual taste