Medicines for Glaucoma

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged, usually because pressure inside the eye is too high. The most common type develops slowly with no pain, so side vision can be lost before it is noticed.

It is more common after 40 and in people with diabetes, short sight or a family history. Regular eye checks with pressure testing help find it early.

Medicines used for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is treated with daily eye drops that lower eye pressure, such as latanoprost, bimatoprost, timolol, brimonidine and dorzolamide, sometimes combined in one bottle. Acetazolamide tablets are used for short periods. Drops must be used every day for life, even though the eyes feel normal.

When to see a doctor

Have your eyes checked every one to two years after 40. Go to an eye hospital straight away for a sudden painful red eye with blurred vision, halos around lights, headache or vomiting, as this can be acute glaucoma.

This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.