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Glaucoma eye drops
One small drop, every day, for years.
Prescription eye drops are the most common way to lower eye pressure in glaucoma. Using them well, and keeping your eyes comfortable, is what makes them work.
Drops lower pressure in one of two ways.
Some help fluid drain out of the eye, and others reduce how much fluid the eye makes. Your doctor may use one type or combine two.
Using your drops well.
Same time daily
Pick a routine, such as bedtime, and stick with it.
One drop is enough
Extra drops just run out of the eye.
Wait between drops
Leave at least five minutes between different eye drops.
Close and press
Close your eye and press the inner corner for a minute.
Keep the tip clean
Do not let the bottle touch your eye or lashes.
Bring your bottles
Show your doctor exactly what you use at each visit.
Tell your doctor about side effects.
Redness, stinging, darker eyelid skin or longer lashes can happen with some drops. There are usually other options, so do not simply stop.
Burning eyes are common.
Studies have found that roughly half or more of people using glaucoma drops report dry or irritated eyes, partly from preservatives in some bottles.
Comfort matters
Preservative-free options exist.
If your drops sting, ask whether a preservative-free version, a combination drop that means fewer bottles, or a laser treatment might suit you.
Lubricating drops can help too.
Preservative-free artificial tears, used a few minutes apart from your glaucoma drops, can make the eye surface feel better.
Questions to ask your eye doctor.
Which drop, and when?
Write down the name, the eye and the time of day.
What if I miss a dose?
Ask what to do so you are not guessing.
Is there a simpler plan?
Ask about combination drops or laser if you use several bottles.
Keep treatment on track.
Your doctor checks how the drops are working.
Pressure checks, nerve scans and side-vision tests at follow-up show whether the plan is protecting your sight.
Comfort between doses.
Ask your eye doctor which lubricating products fit alongside your glaucoma treatment.
Preservative-free drops
Gentle lubricating drops many people use between other eye medicines.
Shop Optase Intense
Keep exploring.
Fast answers.
Can I stop my drops if my pressure is normal?
No. Normal pressure on treatment usually means the drops are working. Stopping can let pressure rise again.
Do glaucoma drops improve vision?
They do not restore lost vision. They lower pressure to help protect the vision you have.
Can I use artificial tears with glaucoma drops?
Usually yes, spaced several minutes apart. Ask your eye doctor which ones to use.
What if I cannot get the drop into my eye?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about aids that help, or whether another treatment would be easier.
Talk to an eye doctor about your drops.
Find a doctor near you with the Vision Rescue doctor locator.
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Sources and notes
- National Eye Institute: Glaucoma
- EyeRounds: Medical management of glaucoma
- Review citing Leung 2008 and Fechtner 2010 on dry eye in glaucoma
- Exam-room and showroom photography are owned Eye Care Advisors assets approved for use by Vision Rescue.
- Full source list: Vision Rescue sources
This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can recommend what is right for your eyes.
