Searched for pilocarpine drops

[teller4]

Was just looking at the search function for pilocarpine drops.  I note that they are used (not sure for how long, at 1% or 2%?)  after cataract surgery and glaucoma procedures as well, but it looked like the use could go on for 2-3 months depending on the procedure.  While just using it once or twice wouldn't be a problem, I did happen to see it carries an increased risk of RD occurrence from use.  Is this something that is used routinely despite the risk?

[teller4]

Yes, mild, I have a glaucoma dr. I have been doing some reading on cataracts, glaucoma, etc.  
I get a newsletter from the glaucoma foundation that has articles about treatment trends.  

[JohnHaganMD]

Pilocarpine is totally outdated for glaucoma treatment. If your glaucoma is mild and controlled with one drop most surgeons would advise against doing a glaucoma operation at the same time because it makes the procedure more complicated, risky and expensive. Glaucoma surgery at the same time is indicated if the glaucoma is not controlled, if the person cannot or will not put the drops in their eyes or they are on multiple eye drops.

[teller4]

Thanks.  I'll be sure to discuss everything with the dr.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[JohnHaganMD]

Pilocarpine is no longer used very much at all. Just for acute angle closure glaucoma, to constrict the pupil prior to laser trabeculoplasty and that's about it. I haven't written a prescription for pilocarpine in over 30 years.

[teller4]

I noticed on post op instructions when I googled cataract post op, there was a list of surgeries and one of them (trabectome) did include two weeks' worth of pilocarpine drops, i think it was four times a day.  There were several other surgeries listed, but that was the only one with the pilocarpine added to the regimen of drops.

[JohnHaganMD]

You don't have glaucoma do you?

[chazas]

Not something I'm on or that my ophthalmologist routinely uses for cataract surgery.  They put me on Istalol (beta blocker) temporarily because of high IOP.  Their normal regimen is Ilevro (NSAID), Besivance (antibiotic) and Durezol (steroid).  I was on Durezol for months last year after my two vitrectomies in the other eye...