Dorzolamide: Simple Guide to This Eye Medication

If you've been prescribed Dorzolamide eye drops, you might wonder what it's all about. Dorzolamide is mainly used to lower eye pressure in conditions like glaucoma or ocular hypertension. High pressure in your eyes can damage the optic nerve and harm your vision if left untreated. This medicine helps prevent that by reducing the pressure.

How Dorzolamide Works and When to Use It

Dorzolamide belongs to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These work by decreasing the amount of fluid your eyes produce. Less fluid means lower pressure inside the eyeball. Doctors often prescribe it when other eye drops alone aren’t enough.

You'll usually get this medication as eye drops to use two or three times a day. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Never stop using it suddenly without checking with your healthcare provider because your eye pressure might rise again quickly.

What to Watch For and Helpful Tips

Like any medicine, Dorzolamide can cause side effects. The most common ones are mild, like a bitter taste after application, eye burning, or redness. If you notice severe irritation, swelling, or vision changes, call your doctor right away.

Remember to wash your hands before applying the drops and avoid touching the tip to your eye or anything else to keep the bottle clean. If you wear contact lenses, it’s best to remove them before using the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting the lenses back in.

Keep your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your eye pressure and make sure the medication is working. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember but skip it if it's almost time for the next dose—don't double up.

Understanding how Dorzolamide helps protect your eyes can give you peace of mind. With careful use and regular check-ins, it’s a helpful tool in managing eye pressure and protecting your sight.

Common side effects of dorzolamide and how to manage them

In my latest post, I discussed the common side effects of dorzolamide, a medication often used to manage intraocular pressure. Some users may experience blurry vision, eye discomfort, or a bitter taste in their mouth. More serious side effects can include severe skin reactions, difficulty breathing, and changes in heartbeat. However, these side effects can be well managed by following your doctor's instructions properly, staying hydrated, and promptly reporting any serious symptoms. It's important to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects and the benefits of the medication often outweigh the potential discomforts.

Written by

Katie Law, Jul, 1 2023