Medicines and Products for Glaucoma

Medicines are the usual first treatment for open-angle glaucoma. They lower eye pressure and must be used every day as prescribed, because they cannot repair damage already done.

Eye drops

• Prostaglandin analogues such as latanoprost: increase drainage, usually once at night
• Beta blockers such as timolol: reduce fluid production. They can affect breathing and heart rate, so tell your doctor about asthma or heart disease.
• Alpha agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor drops
• Combination drops that put two medicines in one bottle

Tablets

Acetazolamide may be used for a short time to lower pressure quickly, for example in acute angle closure. It can cause tingling, frequent urination and low potassium.

How to use drops well

• Wash hands, tilt the head back and press gently at the inner corner of the eye for a minute
• Wait about five minutes between different drops
• Do not touch the bottle tip to the eye
• Use them at the same times every day and do not run out

Cautions

• Never stop or change drops without your eye doctor
• Do not use eye drops or ointments containing steroids unless prescribed, since they can raise pressure
• Avoid unregulated herbal eye products
• Tell every doctor you have glaucoma before using new medicines

Key point

Sudden eye pain with halos or vomiting is an emergency. Call 112 or 102.

Before your eye appointment

Carry your old reports, glasses and a list of all drops, tablets and supplements you use. Note any family history of glaucoma, diabetes or steroid use, and write down when symptoms occur. This helps your eye doctor choose the right tests and plan, and spot changes early.