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 D’Ambrosio Eye Care at
800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so
that we can help.
D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients
throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office
locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 865
Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill
Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331
and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.
