If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, you may have been prescribed glaucoma eye drops to help lower eye pressure (IOP). But many patients wonder: What do these drops actually do? Why are there different types? And why do some people need more than one medication?

In this episode of Field of Vision with Nikki D, we explain the most common types of glaucoma eye drops, how they work, and how doctors use them to manage intraocular pressure and protect the optic nerve.

Nikki shares insight from living with glaucoma for more than 25 years and from her experience working as a medical and surgical technologist in an eye surgery center. This episode helps listeners better understand how glaucoma medications are used as part of long-term glaucoma care.

You’ll learn about common glaucoma medications including:

• Prostaglandin analogs such as Xalatan (latanoprost), Lumigan (bimatoprost), and Travatan Z (travoprost) • Beta blockers such as Timolol (Timoptic) • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as Trusopt (dorzolamide) and Azopt (brinzolamide) • Alpha agonists such as Alphagan P (brimonidine) • Combination medications such as Cosopt, Combigan, and Simbrinza

If you’re newly diagnosed with glaucoma or trying to better understand your treatment plan, this episode explains how glaucoma eye drops work and why consistency with treatment is important.

This podcast is intended for education and support and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional.