Question

I.S. is a 59-year-old woman who lives next door to a nurse. She goes to see the nurse to discuss her recent health problems. I.S. tells the nurse that upon seeing her ophthalmologist, she was diagnosed with early-onset glaucoma. The ophthalmologist prescribed several medications, and I.S. has started taking them. As the nurse talks with I.S., it becomes clear that she is in need of patient teaching about her eye medications, pilocarpine (Pilocar) and latanoprost (Xalatan).

1. What is the expected outcome of treatment of glaucoma with pilocarpine and latanoprost?
2. I.S. is wondering if she may be allergic to one of the drugs because she feels a burning sensation in her eye after administering them. How will the nurse respond?
3. The neighbor asks, "Will I have to take these medications for the rest of my life?" How will the nurse respond?

Answer 1

The expected outcome of treating glaucoma with pilocarpine and latanoprost is to lower intraocular pressure to prevent optic nerve damage. A burning sensation after administration may not indicate an allergy, but I.S. should consult with her doctor if concerned. Glaucoma often requires long-term treatment, and many individuals remain on medications indefinitely to control their condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

Expected Outcome of Glaucoma Treatment with Pilocarpine and Latanoprost

The expected outcome of treating glaucoma with pilocarpine and latanoprost is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing aqueous humor outflow from the eye, which can help prevent damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision. Pilocarpine works by causing the ciliary muscle to contract, which opens perforations at the base of the cornea, thus facilitating drainage. Latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog, increases outflow of aqueous humor through the uveoscleral pathway.

Burning Sensation After Administration

A burning sensation after administering eye medications is a common side effect that some patients experience, and it may not necessarily indicate an allergy. However, if I.S. is concerned about the sensation or if other allergy symptoms arise, such as severe itching, redness, swelling, or rash, she should consult with her ophthalmologist.

Long-Term Use of Glaucoma Medications

In response to whether I.S. will have to take these medications for the rest of her life, the nurse would explain that glaucoma is a chronic condition, often requiring long-term treatment. The exact duration can vary depending on the individual case and response to therapy, but many people do remain on glaucoma medications indefinitely to control their IOP and prevent vision loss.