The eye is one of the most delicate and complex organs of the human body. It requires constant care and protection to maintain optimal vision and eye health. A wide range of eye diseases and disorders can affect people of all ages. Luckily, advancements in ophthalmic drug development have provided effective treatment options. This article discusses some key ophthalmic drug classes and their usage in treating common eye conditions.
Antibiotics
Bacterial infections are a leading cause of eye inflammation and diseases. Various antibiotics have been developed to effectively treat bacterial conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis and other infections. Ophthalmic Drugs Some commonly used topical antibiotic drops include erythromycin, azithromycin, bacitracin, ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. These antibiotics help clear the infection and reduce inflammation when used as prescribed by an ophthalmologist. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed in severe cases.
Anti-Inflammatories
Chronic inflammation inside the eye can damage tissues if left untreated. Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops are very effective in reducing inflammation. Prednisolone, loteprednol, diclofenac and ketorolac are some commonly prescribed ophthalmic anti-inflammatory drugs. They provide relief from uveitis, iritis, scleritis, blepharitis and other inflammatory conditions affecting the eye tissues. Short-term use of steroidal drops along with occasional long-term therapy ensures no permanent damage is caused due to inflammation.
Antiglaucoma Drugs
Glaucoma, an optical neuropathy, is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide mainly due to increased intraocular pressure. Topical eye drops that lower eye pressure are the first line treatment. Some examples are prostaglandin analogs like latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost; beta blockers like timolol, levobunolol; alpha agonists like brimonidine. These drugs help control pressure and slow progression when used as directed by the ophthalmologist. Lasers and surgeries are also options for advanced cases.
Anti-Allergics
Allergic conjunctivitis is an extremely common eye problem caused due to allergies. Relief can be provided using topical antihistamine/mast cell stabilizer eye drops. Common over-the-counter drops contain ingredients like azelastine, olopatadine, emedastine, cromoglicate. Prescription steroids may also be required for severe cases. Timely use offers redness relief within minutes and prevents further complications.
Artificial Tears and Lubricants
Dry eyes, a very widespread condition, occurs due to reduced tear production or increased evaporation. It causes eye irritation, redness, scratchy sensation and visual disturbances. Preservative-free artificial tears and ocular lubricants contain carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and hyaluronic acid help maintain moisture and lubrication. Regular use nourishes the eyes and protects the outer surface.
Retinal Drugs
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are major causes of vision loss worldwide due to damage to the retinal blood vessels and tissues. Injection drugs like Lucentis, Eylea directly treat wet AMD by inhibiting VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), which promotes growth of abnormal blood vessels. They must be administered by an ophthalmologist. Anti-VEGF therapy halts disease progression and improves vision when given regularly as prescribed.
Other Important Drugs
In addition to the above major categories, numerous other ophthalmic drugs play a vital role in eye care for problems like dry age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma surgery, cataracts, uveitis, infections post-surgery and others. Cyclosporine eye drops are commonly used after corneal transplants to prevent graft rejection. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents provide pain relief following eye surgeries and injections. Miotic agents for accommodative disorders or cycloplegic drops to paralyze accommodation are also among key ophthalmic drugs.
Thanks to dedicated research over the decades, ophthalmology today has a wide array of precision-engineered eye drugs that treat or cure many sight threatening diseases when used properly under an ophthalmologist's guidance. Timely treatment not only saves and improves vision but also prevents future complications and disabilities. Regular eye checkups help diagnose conditions early when they are most responsive to medical management. Proper use of prescribed eye medications ensures healthy eyes are maintained for a lifetime of clear vision.
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Transparency Market Research (TMR) has published a new report titled, ‘Ophthalmic Drugs Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2019–2027’.
According to the report, the global Ophthalmic Drugs Market was valued at US$ 26,018.3 Mn in 2018 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2019 to 2027.Read Report Overview - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ophthalmic-drugs-market.htmlOverviewOphthalmic Drugs are the anti-infectives drugs that contained in a product formulated especially to be instilled or applied in the eye or eyes.
Ophthalmic anti-infectives include eye drops, gels or ointments.
Highly structured health care industry and introduction of the Affordable Care Act in the U.S. are expected to drive the market in North America.Asia Pacific is likely to be a highly lucrative market for retinal disorders and it is expected to expand at a high CAGR during the forecast periodRequest Brochure – https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B_id=1769Increasing incidence rates of eye related disorders to Drive MarketThere is an alarming rise in incidence of eye related diseases, especially in the developed countries, which is anticipated to drive the growth of the ophthalmic drugs market during 2017-2025According to the Prevent Blindness report, the number of people in the U.S., suffering from cataract is expected to increase from4 Mnin 2010, to 30.5 Mn by 2020, and people suffering from diabetic retinopathy in U.S. are projected to increase from 7.7 Mn in 2010 to 9.2 Mn in 2020The patients for open angle glaucoma and AMD in U.S., were 7 Mn and 2.1 Mn, respectively, which are projected to increase to3.3 Mn and 2.5 Mn, respectively, till 2020The increasing patient pool in developing countries as well as developed regions is estimated to propel healthcare spending for eye treatments in each region and drive the growth of the ophthalmic drugs market.Advanced retinal treatment approvals for unmet needs in eye disorders to drive the marketEye diseases such as chronic or recurrent uveitis, optic nerve, neurodegeneration retinitis pigmentosa, retinoblastoma, etc., lack an effective treatment option, and thus are categorized as unmet medical needs within the ophthalmologic diseases spaceSeveral new entrants are dedicated to provide specialized treatment methods for eye diseases:On May 18 2017,Spark Therapeutics, Inc. submitted the first and only Biological License Application to the U.S. FDA for the treatment of Leber’s congenital amaurosis by gene therapyOn March 25 2015, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., announced the approval of Eylea, the first VEGF inhibitor approved for dosing on a less than monthly basis for the treatment of diabetic macular edemaSevere inflammatory eye diseases, such as uveitis, lacked a solid treatment option earlier to the FDA approval of Humira for the indication of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adult patientsIn June 2016,the U.S. FDA approved the first and only biologic approved drug, Humira, for the treatment of uveitisSuch approvals for advanced treatment options for the treatment of unmet medical needs in the field of eye disorders are projected to boost the expansion of the global ophthalmic drugs marketRequest COVID Analysis on Ophthalmic Drugs Market – https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=covid19_id=1769Dry Eye Segment to Dominate MarketBased on Disease Indication, the global Ophthalmic Drugs Market has been divided into Dry Eye, Glaucoma, Infection/Inflammation, Retinal Disorders, Allergy, Uveitis, Others.
The Retinal Disorders segment has been bifurcated into Wet AMD, Dry AMD, Diabetic Retinopathy, Others.
The market is witnessing significant transformations due to changing Medicare policies in the U.S., pricing of branded specialty drugs, and the rising patient pool.The increasing patient number along with rising health initiatives for treatment awareness are projected to drive the demand for ophthalmic drugs in this region.The Ophthalmic Drugs Market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR from 2019 to 2027.
