For many people living with glaucoma, daily medicated eye drops are the first, and sometimes only, line of defense to protect vision. But what happens if they stop working as well as they used to?

In this article, based on expert guidance from Healthline, we’ll go over how glaucoma eye drops work, signs they may not be effective, and what you can do to stay in control of your treatment plan.*

If you’ve ever wondered whether your drops are doing their job, or if you’ve struggled to keep up with your routine, you’re not alone, and your eye care team can help.

How Glaucoma Eye Drops Work

Glaucoma causes gradual damage to the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). Eye drops help control that pressure, slowing disease progression and helping prevent vision loss.

Depending on the type your doctor prescribes, drops work by:

• Reducing fluid production in the eye (less pressure buildup)
• Improving fluid drainage (better outflow of the natural eye fluid)
• Combining both effects (some drops include multiple active ingredients)

These medications can be highly effective, but they only work if used consistently and correctly, often every day, sometimes more than once per day, for life.

🩺 Important: Even if you don’t notice symptoms, keep using your drops exactly as prescribed. Stopping treatment without your doctor’s guidance can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Types of Glaucoma Eye Drops

Your doctor might prescribe one or more of these common types:

• Prostaglandins (like latanoprost): increase fluid drainage — usually once daily.
• Beta-blockers (like timolol): reduce fluid production — often twice daily.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (brinzolamide, dorzolamide): reduce fluid production — up to three times daily.
• Rho kinase inhibitors (netarsudil): lower pressure by improving drainage.
• Miotics (cholinergic agents) (pilocarpine): help open the eye’s drainage channels.
• Nitric oxide-donating drops (Vyzulta): enhance fluid outflow.

Sometimes, combination drops are used for better results and easier routines.

Signs Your Eye Drops May Not Be Working

Even if you’ve been taking your drops faithfully, there are times when they may not control your eye pressure as effectively. Common signs include:

• Rising intraocular pressure (IOP) at follow-up appointments
• Changes in your visual field, such as new blurry patches or dark spots
• New or worsening symptoms, like headaches, eye strain, or halos around lights
• Optic nerve changes seen during eye exams

Because glaucoma often has no obvious symptoms until vision loss occurs, regular checkups are the only reliable way to know if your treatment is still working.

👁 If you notice changes in your vision or symptoms, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist right away.

When Nonadherence Is the Real Issue

Sometimes, it’s not that your eye drops stop working — it’s that they’re not being used correctly or consistently. And that’s more common than you might think.

Studies suggest that nearly half of glaucoma patients don’t take their eye drops exactly as prescribed. Common reasons include:

• Forgetting doses or struggling with complex schedules
• Difficulty applying drops (especially for older adults)
• Cost or supply issues
• Side effects like lightheadedness or eye irritation
• Feeling discouraged by having “no break” from lifelong treatment

If you relate to this, you’re not failing your treatment — you just need support. Talk to your care team about practical fixes, like:

• Setting phone reminders or using drop-tracking apps
• Asking your pharmacist about refill synchronization
• Using assistive tools to make application easier
• Discussing alternative formulations or long-acting options

💬 As one review explained, “nonadherence is more common than doctors realize.” Speaking up about challenges helps your care team tailor treatment to your real life.

What to Do If Your Drops Aren’t Effective

If tests show your eye pressure isn’t under control, or if you’re noticing vision changes, your doctor may recommend:

1. Reviewing your drop routine
   • Ensuring correct technique (one drop per dose, closing your eyes afterward for 1–2 minutes).
   • Checking whether doses are being missed or delayed.
     
2. Switching medications or adding a second type
   • Combination drops or a new class of medication may work better.
     
3. Considering other treatments
   • Laser therapy or surgery may be recommended if drops alone aren’t enough.
   • Implantable sustained-release devices, like Durysta® or iDose®, can provide long-term medication without daily dosing.
     
4. More frequent monitoring
   • Regular exams help catch small changes early before permanent vision loss occurs.

The Bottom Line

Glaucoma drops play a crucial role in preserving your vision, but they need regular follow-up and teamwork between you and your doctor.

If you ever feel that your drops aren’t working, don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Reach out to your eye care team to review your treatment plan. And if you’re struggling with the daily routine, talk openly. There are always ways to make it easier.

* Healthline (August 28, 2025). “How Do You Know If Glaucoma Eye Drops Aren’t Working?” healthline.com

To ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information, The Glaucoma Community closely vets all sources. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, procedure, or device discussed within.