When you begin glaucoma medication, it is important that you discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Remember, all medicines can have side effects, and glaucoma eye drops are no exception. While most people tolerate their glaucoma treatment well, we must know the possible side effects of glaucoma eye drops.
Usually, you will experience a degree of discomfort, and some amount of dryness. However, both these side effects are easily managed. In case you are not happy with your medication, your eye doctor will try another eye drop which may be better suited. Alternatively, your doctor may prescribe lubricating eye drops to keep you comfortable.
Prostaglandin analogs
Medication: Travoprost, Bimatoprost, Latanoprost, Tafluprost, Unoprostone
Possible side effects
• Redness of eye, which may subside over a few days
• Stinging after using drops
• Foreign body sensation, usually attributed to dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Change in your eye color (especially true for light colored eyes)
• Increase in thickness, and length of eyelashes (Bimatoprost is actually available commercially in a mascara!)
• Dark circles and increased pigmentation of the eyelid
• Upper respiratory tract infections, and flu like symptoms
• Joint pains
• Sensitivity to light
• Sunken eyes
Alpha agonists
Medication: Brimonidine, apraclonidine
Possible side effects
• Redness of eyes
• Pain, stinging of eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye allergies characterized by redness, itching, watering and swelling of the eye (may be dose dependent, that is, evident a few months after use of drug)
• Dilation of the pupil
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Tiredness, drowsiness and dizzy spells
• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Anxiety and nervousness
Beta-blockers
Medication: Timolol, levobunolol, metipranolol, carteolol, betaxolol
Possible side effects
• Redness of eyes
• Pain, stinging of eyes
• Blurred vision
• Breathing difficulties, especially in patients with asthma, or lung disorders
• Irregular heartbeat, or decreased heart rate
• Tiredness and dizzy spells, poor exercise tolerance
• Depression
• Decreased libido and sexual function
• Masking of symptoms of low blood sugar symptoms
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
Medication: Acetazolamide (oral), brinzolamide, dorzolamide
Possible side effects
• Redness of eyes
• Pain, stinging of eyes
• Blurred vision
• Skin rash (especially in people allergic to sulfa drugs)
• Altered taste, most people mention a metallic taste in mouth ( noticed especially with aerated drinks and sodas)
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Tiredness and listlessness
• Increase in urination (with the oral medication)
• Tingling sensation, or sensation of pins and needles, (with the oral medication)
Points to remember
Know your medication, and its side effects
Read the product information leaflet carefully, and discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. This will give you an idea of what to expect, when you start therapy. Ask specifically about the side effects of glaucoma eye drops, and why the doctor is choosing one over the other.
Not everyone has side effects of glaucoma eye drops
Know that these lists are comprehensive and include all POSSIBLE side effects of glaucoma eye drops. It does not mean anyone using them will suffer most or all of them. In fact, most people tolerate their glaucoma medication well. However, if you have any discomfort with your medication, you must discuss it with your doctor. Remember, contrary to popular opinion, absence of side effects does not mean that the medication is not working.
You might tolerate the eye drops better over time
In fact, most patients will experience a degree of redness of eyes, discomfort when instilling eye drops and dry eyes. Usually, over a couple of weeks, the first two decrease. If your problems persist, you must discuss them with your doctor. Alternatively, you may suddenly develop certain side effects after years of using glaucoma eye drops without any problems.
This article is part of a series of articles on Using Eyedrops, which aim to help you use your eye drops as required. You may want to read How to remember your glaucoma medication, Tips and tricks on how to use your eye drops, Whether refrigerating eye drops helps, How to manage side effects of glaucoma drops, Why my dry eye drops are not working, How to reduce glaucoma drops, Glaucoma drops not working, Does stinging mean my eye drops are working, and Glaucoma progressing despite eye drops.
Learn how to put eye drops here.
About the Author
This article was written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and Mayo Clinic Research Collaborator, Clinical Director at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. She is also the Program Director for Community Outreach & Wellness; and for the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine.
She has published peer-reviewed research on glaucoma management, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
As Editor-in-Chief of Clinical and Experimental Vision and Eye Research and Executive Editor of the Journal of Current Glaucoma Practice (Pubmed Indexed, official journal of the International Society of Glaucoma Surgery), Dr Shibal Bhartiya brings editorial and research depth to every clinical decision. Her 200+ publications, including 90+ PubMed-indexed publications and 28 edited textbooks span glaucoma biology, surgical outcomes, health equity, and emerging diagnostics.
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