Carbonic Anhydrase

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors for Glaucoma

Your ophthalmologist has recommended you use a type of medicine called a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. This kind of medicine is helpful in treating glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a disease that affects your eye’s optic nerve, possibly leading to blindness. The optic nerve connects your eye to your brain so you can see. Glaucoma usually happens when fluid builds up in the front portion of your eye. Pressure increases in your eye, damaging the optic nerve and eventually stealing your sight.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors work by reducing the amount of fluid your eye produces. That helps lower eye pressure, and, hopefully, saves your vision.

Your ophthalmologist may have you take this medicine as an eye drop or by mouth as a pill. Also, you may need to take this medication along with other glaucoma medicine.