Glaucoma eye drops: They don’t have to hurt

For many people with glaucoma, managing eye drops is one of the most challenging aspects of living with the disease.

Glaucoma UK works with many pharmaceutical companies to help them understand these challenges, so we can work together to find solutions. One of these is Théa Pharmaceuticals.

Irina Manoliu, Product Manager at Théa Pharmaceuticals, sat down with Zena Rodrigues, a consultant nurse at the Western Eye Hospital, to learn more about how she helps people use eye drops successfully.

Can you talk through how you support patients?

In my role as nurse consultant, I focus on people with diagnosed or suspected glaucoma, who are usually at low to medium risk of sight loss.

These people are first seen by a consultant ophthalmologist in a separate clinic and are then followed up in my nurse-led clinic. I ensure their condition is carefully monitored and well-managed, helping to reduce the risk of further sight loss.

What are the most important benefits of using eye drops?

The most important thing is that the eye drops work well to lower eye pressure, helping to reduce the risk of damage. However, those drops can only work if people actually put them in their eyes.

As glaucoma often has no symptoms until it is advanced, some people do not recognise that they have lost vision. I ensure people understand why using the drops is essential and explain any side effects they might experience. It is also extremely important to ensure that the treatment is manageable and comfortable, so people do not feel discouraged when taking it.

I support them in feeling confident about putting the drops in and using them regularly at the same time each day to ensure they work effectively. Patients are more likely to use their drops when they understand what might happen if they don’t put them in. Together, we develop a plan that fits their lives and supports adherence to treatment.

If someone has side effects from their eye drops, what should they do?

If someone has problems with their glaucoma eye drops, I advise them to contact their eye department or their A&E department for advice.

Side effects of glaucoma eye drops are very common. They can include burning, redness, or irritation. I reassure my patients that side effects are common but important to report, so we can discuss better options. We are lucky in glaucoma care that there are many different treatments available, for example, a different type of eye drop or having laser treatment. It is so important people do not just put up with discomfort or pain or stop using their drops without letting us know.

What do people need to know about preservatives in eye drops?

Glaucoma eye drops are normally used long-term, and some contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK). Regular use of drops containing preservatives can sometimes irritate the eye’s surface, causing dryness, redness, or discomfort, making it harder for people to use them every day.

I prefer prescribing preservative-free glaucoma eye drops whenever possible. They are gentler on the eyes, reduce the risk of irritation or dryness, and help patients feel more comfortable, making it easier for them to continue their treatment and protect their vision.

However, these drops can be more expensive, so often GPs or pharmacists prescribe cheaper alternatives. If you are suffering from side effects and you have been given eye drops containing preservatives, explain this to your eye specialist and GP, and ask if you can be prescribed a preservative-free drop instead.

Where can people go for extra help?

There is lots of help available if people are struggling with their eye drops – please do not suffer in silence. If you are experiencing side effects, you could contact your eye clinic and ask for some help. You could also contact your GP about your repeat prescription.

Glaucoma UK can also help, offering advice on remembering to use your eye drops, providing dispensing aids to help with putting them in, or just being there to talk through any concerns via the helpline.

This article was originally published in our membership magazine, Insight. To receive the magazine quarterly, consider becoming a Glaucoma UK member.

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