What are eyedrops for glaucoma?
Glaucoma drops lower eye pressure in one of two ways: some reduce how much fluid the ciliary body produces, others improve how fluid drains from the eye — and some do both. Taken every day, they protect the optic nerve from further damage; they cannot restore vision already lost. The most common mistake in glaucoma care is skipping drops because the eye feels fine — glaucoma is painless while it damages sight. Never stop or change your drops without talking with your eye doctor first, and mention side effects rather than quietly quitting.
§Read video transcript
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your doctor may prescribe eye drops to control pressure in your eye. These drops are applied onto the surface of the eye and may cause stinging or burning. Eye drops for treating glaucoma work in two ways. First they lesson the amount of aqueous fluid the ciliary body of your eye produces. Second, the drops may allow more fluid to drain out of the eye more easily. Sometimes, drops alone may not be able to treat glaucoma.
Medical sources
- aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
- americanglaucomasociety.net/patient-family-resources/glaucoma-basics-faqs
This page and video are for general patient education and are not a substitute for a medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Eye conditions vary by individual. For advice about your eyes, schedule an evaluation with May Eye Care Center. In an emergency, call 911.
Schedule your eye exam at May Eye Care Center in Hanover, PA
Serving York, Gettysburg, Adams County, and northern Maryland. Call (717) 637-1919 or explore more about glaucoma at our practice.
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