BETOPTIC (BETAXOLOL)

Betoptic Description

Your sight is precious and should be cared for as such. A visit to your ophthalmologist every 1 or 2 years can help diagnose and treat any problems that you may be unaware of but could be detected by a professional. Your exam could result in the discovery of intraocular hypertension, which means that the pressure inside your eye/eyes is high and must be lowered to avoid the risk of glaucoma.

There are no obvious changes in your vision with intraocular hypertension. This is the reason for regular eye exams because you may not notice anything has changed, but your ophthalmologist can and may prescribe Betoptic or generic Betaxolol to help reduce the pressure before permanent damage to your optic nerve occurs. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Does Betoptic Work?

Betoptic is known as a selective beta receptor blocker as it will only affect the beta receptors that are involved with your eyes. Once you have administered Betoptic (.5%) into your eye, the active ingredient blocks the receptors on the ciliary body in order to decrease the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) that is secreted into your eyeball. Betoptic is also able to constrict the blood vessels involved in supplying the ciliary body so there is a reduction in how much fluid filters out of the blood vessels that form the aqueous humor. This action results in less pressure in your eye.

Conditions Treated by Betoptic

The danger of not having regular eye exams is not being aware of the fact that something is threatening your eyesight. As the pressure builds in your eye, the fluid can press against your optic nerve. By the time you begin to notice your vision is changing, you may have already sustained permanent damage. Whether it is your advancing age, other medical conditions you have, or intraocular pressure runs in your family, an eye exam can confirm any irregularities or damage to your sight. There is no cure for glaucoma, but the right medications can help delay vision loss.

Before Betoptic is Prescribed

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are nursing before using Betoptic. To determine if Betoptic is safe for you, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any OTC or Rx drugs you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Betoptic Recommendations and Proper Use

If you are using other eye drops, wait at least 10 minutes after instilling them before using Betoptic. After you instill Betoptic, close your eyes and using a clean finger, press the inside corner of your eyelid gently for 2 minutes. This helps to keep the medication where it is needed and prevents the drops from being absorbed systemically. Remove contact lenses before administering Betoptic and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. All medications should be stored out of children’s reach and never shared with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Betoptic

• Mild eye discomfort
• Temporary blurred vision
• Stinging after administering drops