There are many different types of eye drops used to treat glaucoma.
Some drops work better in some people than in others. The possible side effects vary between the different types of drops. So, if the first does not work so well, or does not suit, another may work better. For some people, multiple combination of eye drops may be needed to reduce the eye pressure.
Types of eye drops |
Description |
Prostaglandin analogues |
These are the most commonly used eye drops for glaucoma and help increase drainage of fluid out of your eye. Examples include:
- bimatoprost (Lumigan®, Bimatoprost Actavis®)
- latanoprost (Hysite®)
- travoprost (Travatan®, Travopt®).
Possible side effects include:
- changes in eye colour
- increased growth and thickness of eyelashes
- sunken appearance to eyes
- red eyes and irritation.
|
Beta-blockers |
These eye drops reduce the production of fluid in the eye. Examples include:
- betaxolol (Betoptic ®, Betoptic S®)
- levobunolol (Betagan®)
- timolol (Arrow-Timolol®, Timoptol-XE®)
- dorzolamide + timolol (Arrow-Dortim®)
These eye drops are not suitable if you have breathing problems such as asthma or COPD.
Possible side effects include:
- shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance
- vivid dreams
- impotence
- irritated eyes.
|
Other eye drops |
Examples of other eye drops include:
- brimonidine (Alphagan P®, Arrow- Brimonidine®)
- brinzolamide (Azopt®)
- dorzolamide (Trusopt®) : being discontinued in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2023.
- pilocarpine (Pilopt®, Isopto Carpine®)
Possible side effects include:
- dry mouth and dry eyes
- red eye
- stinging sensation to the eye
- metallic taste
- headache.
|
To reduce the effects of glaucoma, it’s important to use your eye drops every day, in the way your doctor has told you to. The effect of the medication wears off so if you do not use your eye drops on time, your eye pressure will rise even though you cannot feel it. If you miss using your drops, apply them as soon as you remember, but if it is closer to your next scheduled dose then just apply your dose as usual.
Speak to your doctor if you develop any of these side effects. They will be able to change your medications, or suggest alternative therapy such as laser or surgery. Do not stop your medication without checking with your doctor.
Note: sometimes people react to preservatives present in the eye drops. Currently there is no funded preservative free eye drops available in NZ.