Azopt Eye Drops And Usage

Azopt eye drops contain the active constituent brinzolamide, categorized under the drug class carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These drugs are either used alone or combined with other eye medication to reduce raised pressure within the eye and treat glaucoma. Although the ophthalmic solution helps control your glaucoma, it does not cure it. Your doctor may prescribe Azopt drops for another reason as well. Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about why it has been given to you or how to use it. 

Uses of Azopt Eye Drops

Azopt eye drops have been introduced to treat ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma. They effectively reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. Azopt drops contain Brinzolamide, which lowers pressure in the eye and treats glaucoma, an eye disease in which the pressure of the fluid in the eye may be high. However, this is not the case with every individual with glaucoma; many may have normal eye pressure.

Glaucoma is common and has the potential to cause blindness in patients. This is because it is usually asymptomatic until advanced. Many people will not be aware of a problem with their eyes until severe damage happens to the eye’s optic nerve, resulting in vision loss and blindness. Ocular hypertension is a major risk factor for developing open-angle glaucoma, although the condition may occur with or without raised eye pressure.

Glaucoma usually occurs due to the accumulation of fluid that flows through the eye. This happens because the fluid drains out of the eye more slowly than it is pumped in. Since the fluid continues to enter the eye, joining the fluid already there, the pressure within the eye continues to rise. High pressure may damage the back, leading to gradual loss of vision. This progressive damage to the optic nerve begins with a slight loss of side vision, and this damage progresses so slowly that the individual is unaware of the gradual loss of sight. In some cases, even normal eye pressure is linked to damage to the back of the eye.

In general, people with glaucoma do not have visible signs and symptoms. To know if you have glaucoma, get an appointment with an ophthalmologist and have your eye pressure, optic nerve, and vision checked. If the eye condition is not treated, it can cause serious trouble with your vision.

Dosage Instructions

Carefully follow all directions given to your ophthalmologist. Usage instructions may differ from the one that was given on the leaflet. Therefore, following the directions given on your doctor’s prescription is important. If you are already prescribed another medication, follow your doctor’s instructions about stopping the treatment and starting a new medication. If you still do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor.

The usual recommended dosage frequency of Azopt eye drop is two times daily. Only use the eye drop in both eyes if your ophthalmologist tells you to. Use it for the period as your doctor recommends. The medicine is an ophthalmic solution, so use it only for dropping in your eyes. Do not consume the medication.

Wash your hands before you handle the bottle. Shake the bottle well. For application, bend your head backward and gently pull your lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Hold the bottle and squeeze a drop into your affected eye. Do not touch your eyes or surrounding areas with the dropper tip. If a drop misses your eye, try again and clean the solution that drops outside your eye. Once the application is made, gently press a finger to the corner of the eye. This helps the medication get into the rest of the body. If you are advised to administer the ophthalmic solution in both eyes, repeat the steps gradually for your other eye.

If you already use other eye medication, including eye drops or ointment, leave at least five minutes between putting in the Azopt eye solution. If you have been asked to apply an ointment to treat an eye condition, apply it last. Using more medication than you should cause serious side effects. If you administered more drops than you should, rinse off immediately with normal water.  Please do not drop any more until it is time for your next regular dose. Stopping the medication with the doctor’s approval can cause trouble; the eye pressure will not be controlled, leading to vision loss. There is not sufficient evidence to support the use of this eye drug in children under the age of 18 years. If you have any other doubts about using this ophthalmic preparation, ask your doctor.

The Bottom Line

Azopt eye drop is an effective remedy for high pressure in the eye. The build-up of pressure can lead to an eye condition called glaucoma. High pressure can damage your vision. The usual dose is one drop only in the affected eye twice daily. An ophthalmologist will tell you how many drops you need to use.