Management of Antidepressants in Patients with Glaucoma

Monitoring and Clinical Approach

• All patients with glaucoma who are prescribed antidepressants should remain under rigorous supervision of an ophthalmologist with regular monitoring of intraocular pressure 1
• Target intraocular pressure should be maintained at approximately 20% lower than baseline measurements to prevent glaucomatous damage 2
• Before initiating antidepressant therapy in glaucoma patients, a baseline ophthalmologic examination is recommended to document optic nerve status and visual field 3
• For patients with severe or unstable glaucoma, consultation between psychiatry and ophthalmology is advisable before initiating antidepressant therapy 1