Eye drops
Glaucoma is often caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye called aqueous humour, or just aqueous. This causes pressure in the eye (called intraocular pressure or IOP) to increase, which damages the optic nerve and leads to vision loss. Eye drops are the most common treatment for glaucoma. They decrease the amount of fluid in the eye, either by increasing the drainage of fluid out of the eye, or by reducing the amount of fluid that is made.
What do eye drops do?
There are lots of different eye drops to treat glaucoma. They work in different ways, but they all reduce the amount of fluid in your eye. This reduces IOP, and so reduces damage to the optic nerve.
The different drops fall into five main categories, which work in slightly different ways: Alpha agonist, Beta blockers, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Cholinergic inhibitors and Prostaglandin analogues. These are explained in this document which is available to download here.
How do I put them in my eye?
There are lots of different eye drops to treat glaucoma. They work in different ways, but they all reduce the amount of fluid in your eye. This reduces IOP, and so reduces damage to the optic nerve.
The different drops fall into five main categories, which work in slightly different ways: Alpha agonist, Beta blockers, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, Cholinergic inhibitors and Prostaglandin analogues. These are explained in this document which is available to download here.
Standing at a mirror
Pull down your lower lid with a finger of one hand, to create a ‘pocket’. With the other hand, squeeze or tap the bottle so one drop goes into your eye, into the pocket created by pulling down the lower lid.
Lying down
If you’re lying down, you may find it easier to balance the bottle on the bridge of your nose. Look upwards and squeeze the bottle. The drop should fall into your eye. If it doesn’t, it will be in the corner by your nose. Turn your head slightly to the side and the drop should run into your eye.
Wrist on knuckle (WOK)
The WOK technique is particularly helpful in holding the bottle steady or if you have long nails:
- Make a fist with one hand and place on your cheek.
- Pull down your lower lid with your knuckle, to create the pocket.
- With the other hand, hold your bottle upside down. Rest this hand on your fist.
- The bottle should be above your eye. Squeeze or tap the bottle so the drop lands in the pocket you have made with your fist.
Keeping the drop in your eye
Immediately after putting your drop in, close your eye and press gently on the corner of the eye by your nose, for around one minute. This is called punctal occlusion. It blocks the tear duct, meaning the drop stays in the eye where it can do most good.
If you don’t do this, the drop can drain down the tear duct and into your throat, where it might cause an unpleasant taste or some side-effects.
If you miss your eye, or your eye is closed when the drop lands on it, put another drop in.
Getting into the routine
It can be hard to manage eye drops. Here are some handy hints….
Remember: Try to put the drop in at the same time each day. If your drop needs to be put in twice a day, try to leave 12 hour gaps between drops.
Multiple drops
If you have to use more than one eye drop, wait at least five minutes between them (or longer if advised by your ophthalmologist).
Contact lenses
If you wear contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes between putting in the drop and putting in the lenses, and never put eye drops in while wearing lenses
I missed a drop
If you forget to use your eye drop and remember a couple of hours later, put the drop in then, and get back to your normal routine as soon as possible. If you’re nearly at the time to put your next drop in, just wait until your normal time.
Don’t put extra drops in to “make up” for missing some – this won’t have any effect and the extra drop will just drain out of your eye
I keep forgetting…
Try leaving your eye drops somewhere obvious, to help you remember to put them in. Perhaps next to your toothbrush?
Set a daily reminder on your phone.
I need more help!
Download our drops chart, so you can tick off when you put your drop in.
Ask family members to help remind you to use your drops.
Aids to help with putting drops in
Many people find it difficult to squeeze the bottle the drop comes in. There are lots of aids that can help you with this. Some help to hold the bottle steady above your eye, while some help you squeeze the bottle.
This table states which dispensing aid goes with each drops bottle. It can be complicated working out which aid is right for you but our helpline staff will be happy to help you, so feel free to call the team on 01233 64 81 70 or email helpline@glaucoma.uk for advice.
We are currently offering a limited range of dispensing aids which can be ordered on our website or by calling our helpline on 01233 64 81 70.
There are many different types of eye drops, and more are coming on to the market all the time. Unfortunately some bottles don’t fit into any of the aids available. If there isn’t an aid suitable for your eye drop, and you are having trouble putting the drop in, speak to your ophthalmologist. They may be able to prescribe you a different eye drop or form of treatment. But whatever you do, don’t stop using the eye drops!
Where to go for more support or information
If you would like to know more about eye drops and aids, download our free booklets below or order them through our shop.
Easy read: Putting in your eye drops
Eye drops and dispensing aids
Glaucoma A Guide
Eye clinic referral
Helpline
Our glaucoma helpline advisors are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about your eye drops.
Call 01233 64 81 70 or email helpline@glaucoma.uk (Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.00pm)