Compliance is an important issue as patients often do not understand why they should take eye drops that are not specifically improving their vision. It needs to be reiterated to them that the purpose of any eye drops is to reduce their intraocular pressure (IOP) in order to avoid progression of loss of their peripheral vision.
Side effects from drops are common so ask about these. If there are problematic side effects it may be possible for the hospital eye service to change the treatment to something more tolerable. Specific side effects to enquire about are discomfort and swelling around the eye lids, also breathlessness with beta blockers (eg timolol). Prostaglandin analagues (eg lumigan) can make the eyes red. Xalatan may make eyelashes grow long and course.
Allergies to eye drops are not infrequent. If changes are to be made, it is best that these changes are made under the supervision of the hospital eye service as each change of treatment must be carefully considered. If a patient is not responding to treatment, they may require surgery (trabeculectomy). It is important to know if it is deteriorating because they are not taking their drops or because their drops are no longer effective. Family members should be advised to see their optometrist annually for a pressure check and examination of their optic discs.
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