Systemic medications for intraocular pressure (IOP) control are typically reserved for cases in which a significant temporary drop in IOP is required that cannot be achieved by any other means.
Oral preparations are most commonly used in cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma or surrounding intraocular surgery, in which substantial pressure spikes may arise.
Because these medications are not as often prescribed as our work-horse topical medications, we’ve put together a quick review of everything you need to know about oral glaucoma drugs in case you are in a situation where these are needed.