Eye drops often cause a burning or stinging sensation. This is often due to the preservative agent or the medicine.  The discomfort usually only lasts for a few seconds.  Don't worry about where to put the drops or how much.  The eye can only hold one drop, and blinking evenly distributes the drop.  Thus, just get the drop in.

It is important that you take your medication exactly as it was prescribed. For example, drops which are prescribed twice a day have a `duration of action´ of twelve hours. By taking your drops twice times spaced evenly through your waking hours, you ensure effectiveness for a full 24-hour period.  More drops are not helpful.

Since eye-drops are absorbed into the bloodstream, it is important that you tell your us about any other medications that you are currently taking. To decrease systemic absorption into the bloodstream and maximize the amount of drug absorbed into the eye, close your eyes for one minute after putting in your drops. Press lightly against the inner corner of your eyelids to close the tear duct which drains into the nose.  This will reduce systemic absorption.

Common Eye Drops

Xalatan® Travatan® Lumigan® Rescula® all increase the rate at which the fluid leaves the eye. These powerful drops only need to be taken once per day. Fortunately they have few side effects.  They may increase the amount of brown pigment in the eye in patients with hazel or blue-brown eyes and/or increase the thickness and length of your eye lashes.

Timoptic®  Betimol®  Betagan® Ocupress®  are all Beta blockers which decrease the production of aqueous humor. These have few side effects even though the list is long.  They are time tested and have been prescribed in millions of patients since 1978. They may worsen pulmonary disease, cause difficulty in breathing, slowing of the pulse, hair loss, decreased blood pressure, and impotence. Other side effects include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, hallucination, insomnia, depression, and memory loss. Betoptic® is safer for patients who suffer from asthma or emphysema.

Alphagan® reduces aqueous humor production and increases uveoscleral outflow. Biggest problem allergic reactions which increases with use.

Trusopt® Azopt drops vs the pill form (Diamox® Neptazane®) Pills and drops will reduce fluid flow into the eye. Today the pills are rarely prescribed because of their side effects. The pills should be taken with meals or milk to reduce side effects. Bananas or apple juice should be added to the diet to minimize potassium loss.

Symptoms are common with the pill, and rare with drops.  They include frequent urination, tingling sensation in the fingers and toes. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days. Kidney stones may occur. A rare but serious side effect is aplastic anemia. Rashes are not uncommon. Potassium loss may occur when these drugs are taken with digitalis, steroids, or chlorothiazide diuretics. Depression, fatigue, and lethargy are common. Gastrointestinal upset, metallic taste to carbonated beverages, impotence, and weight loss have all been reported.

Pilocarpine drops help open the eyes drainage system and increase the rate of fluid flowing out of the eye.

Pilocarpine exists as drops, gel (Pilogel®), and slow-release (Ocusert®) forms. Pilocarpine may cause pain around/inside the eye (browache) for the first few days of use. Blurred vision often occur in younger patients. They reduce pupil size and may dim vision, at night or in dark rooms. Occassionaly stuffy nose, sweating, increased salivation, and  gastrointestinal problems may occur.
 

While every drug has some potential side effects, it is important to note that most patients do not experience any side effects.