For certain patients taking oral
steroid medications for asthma or severe arthritis can actually elevate their
intraocular pressure (IOP) and cause them to develop glaucoma. In the recent
past, it has become very common to treat the symptoms of season allergies-such
as a runny nose, itching and sneezing, with Flonase® (Fluticasone) which is
administered with an inhaler. In fact Flonase® inhalers are now available “over
the counter” without a prescription at your local pharmacy so that you can just
buy them and begin treating yourself. Is it safe to use Flonase® inhalers if you
are at risk of high eye pressure and are you at even greater risk if you have ocular
hypertension or already have glaucoma? According to the results of a
clinical study, called the ICOUGH Study presented
in the Journal of Glaucoma, there
was no clinically significant increase in the average eye pressure in patients
with well-controlled open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension after 6 weeks
of twice-daily inhaled Flonase®. Thus, it is generally regarded as safe to use
OTC inhalers of Flonase® without causing an increased risk of glaucoma.
If you or someone you know is
concerned about their risk of glaucoma or needs to schedule and eye exam
including glaucoma testing, please call and schedule an appointment at Northwest Indiana Eye
& Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest
Indiana Eye & Laser Center, Google+ or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser.
Northwest Indiana Eye &
Laser Center offices are located at 502 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana
46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.
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