TIMOPTIC XE EYE DROPS (GEL FORMING SOLUTION) (TIMOLOL)

Description of Timoptic XE Eye Drops

If you are found to have increased pressure in your eye or you have open-angle glaucoma, your ophthalmologist can recommend that you use Timoptic XE Eye Drops, an extended release formula with Timolol as the active ingredient. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) has no symptoms to alert you that you are at risk for glaucoma and possible permanent vision loss which is why it is so important to have regular eye exams, especially as you get older.

Timolol Can Adjust the Production and Flow of Aqueous Humour

Usually the liquid inside your eyeball, called aqueous humour, has a continuous and balanced flow as it is produced by the ciliary body and then drains out through channels called the trabecular meshwork. If this out-flow becomes blocked, pressure can build up inside as the aqueous humour is still being produced at the same rate.

When used once daily as directed, Timoptic XE Eye Drops works as a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, referred to as a beta blocker. Its job is to block the beta-receptors found on the ciliary body which results in a reduction of the fluid that is secreted into your eyeball so the drainage has a chance to keep up. Timoptic XE Eye Drops also works to constrict blood vessels that supply the ciliary body by blocking the beta-receptors found on their surface to decrease how much watery fluid filters out of the vessels that make the aqueous humour.

Conditions Treated by Timoptic XE Eye Drops

The idea behind lowering the pressure inside your eye is to prevent damage to your optic nerve. If your optic nerve has already sustained damage, chances are you already have some vision loss but have not noticed anything yet as it is your outer or peripheral vision that is affected first. Again, if pressure inside your eye is not reduced, permanent vision loss will continue so your IOP must be decreased. There is no cure for open-angle glaucoma, but treatment with Timoptic XE Eye Drops (Gel Forming Solution) can help to save your remaining vision and stop the progression.

Before You Start Using Timoptic XE Eye Drops

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding, ask your doctor if there are risks before using Timoptic XE Eye Drops. Discuss other medical conditions or allergies with your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help your doctor determine if Timoptic XE Eye Drops are safe for you to use.

Timoptic XE Eye Drops Proper Use

Be patient as it can up to 4 weeks before you notice any benefits to instilling Timoptic XE Eye Drops as instructed. If you are diabetic, Timolol could hide signs of low blood sugar so monitor your blood glucose regularly. The preservatives in Timoptic XE Eye Drops can be absorbed by soft contact lenses so remove them before treatment and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Do not drive or attempt any activities until vision has cleared after instilling Timolol.

Possible Side Effects of Timoptic XE Eye Drops

• Headache
• Itching or stinging
• Temporary blurred vision
• Increased tear production