Glaucoma Medication: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been told you have glaucoma, the first thing you’ll hear is that eye drops are the main treatment. These drops lower the pressure inside your eye and help protect vision. The good news? Most people can manage them at home with just a few simple steps.

Common Types of Glaucoma Drops

Prostaglandin analogs (like latanoprost or bimatoprost) are usually the first choice because they work well and you only need to use them once a day. They increase fluid outflow, which brings pressure down.

Beta blockers (timolol, betaxolol) reduce fluid production. They’re cheap and effective but can affect heart rate, so people with asthma or heart issues should talk to their doctor first.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (brinzolamide, dorzolamide) also cut down fluid creation. You’ll often see them paired with another class to boost pressure control.

Alpha agonists (brimonidine) work by both decreasing production and increasing outflow. They can cause dry mouth or fatigue for some users.

Cholinergic agents (pilocarpine) are older drugs that open the drainage angle. They’re less common now because they can blur near vision.

How to Use Your Eye Drops Correctly

Wash your hands, tilt your head back, and pull down the lower lid to make a tiny pocket. Hold the bottle above the eye—don’t touch it—to avoid contamination. Gently squeeze one drop, close your eye for about a minute, and press the inner corner of your eye with a finger; this stops the medicine from draining away too fast.

If you need more than one type of drop, wait at least five minutes between each to keep them effective. Keep track of doses with a phone alarm or a pill‑box style organizer—missing drops can let pressure rise again.

Watch for side effects: red eyes, mild stinging, changes in eyelash growth (common with prostaglandins), or blurry vision right after use. Most issues fade as your eye gets used to the medication, but call your doctor if they persist or get worse.

Regular check‑ups are a must. Your eye pressure can change over time, and your doctor may need to tweak the regimen. Staying on schedule with appointments helps catch problems early and keeps your vision safe.

In short, glaucoma drops are powerful tools that keep eye pressure under control when you use them right. Pick the right type with your doctor’s help, follow a simple drop routine, and keep an eye on how you feel. That combination gives you the best chance to preserve sight for years to come.