Glaucoma medical treatment: philosophy, principles and practice.

There have been numerous recent advances in the management of glaucoma, not least the development of new drugs to help manage raised intraocular pressure. In addition, the concepts of improving blood flow to the optic nerve head and neuroprotection are currently provoking considerable interest. This article considers the aims and philosophy of glaucoma drug therapy, summarises some of the basic facts and principles of modern glaucoma medications, and suggests a practical approach to the choice of therapy.