The package warning label accompanying
many commonly used medications – including nasal decongestants
and stomach remedies – cautions “contraindicated
in patients with glaucoma.” In fact, this warning refers
to those with narrow anterior chamber angles. These medications
often dilate the pupils, risking an acute angle closure attack.
Ironically, most such individuals for whom the warning is
intended have neither been diagnosed with nor treated for
narrow anterior chamber angles and are therefore not at all
aware of their own heightened risk. Patients followed and
treated for open angle glaucoma are not subject to this contraindication
warning.
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