Glaucoma eye drops: common side effects and what you can do about them

Do not stop glaucoma drops without advice. If a drop is causing problems, there is almost always an alternative.

Prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost, bimatoprost, travoprost, tafluprost)

Usually the first drop prescribed, once daily at night. Common effects: red eyes, longer and darker lashes, darkening of eyelid skin, gradual darkening of a lighter iris (permanent), and a sunken look around the eye with long-term use.

Beta-blockers (timolol)

Can cause stinging, but importantly can be absorbed into the body: slow heart rate, tiredness, low mood, reduced exercise tolerance and worsening of asthma or COPD. Tell your doctor if you have breathing or heart problems.

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide, brinzolamide)

Stinging, blurred vision after use and a bitter taste.

Alpha agonists (brimonidine)

Allergy with red, itchy lids is relatively common after months of use; also dry mouth and tiredness.

Preservatives

Many drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can irritate the eye surface and worsen dry eye with long-term use. Preservative-free versions of most drops are available.

Ways to reduce side effects

Close the eyes and press gently on the inner corner for two minutes after each drop to reduce absorption into the body. Switch to a different class or a preservative-free version. Consider SLT laser, which can reduce or replace drops for many people. Discuss surgery if drops cannot control pressure.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall reviews glaucoma treatment and side effects, and offers SLT laser. See glaucoma care and glaucoma second opinions.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.