EXPERIENCED TEAMEXPERIENCED TEAM What happens if I forget to take my eye drops or miss a dose of my eye drop?

The purpose of the drops you take for glaucoma is to lower your eye pressure. Taking your eye drops consistently (compliance) reduces the likelihood of pressure fluctuation (diurnal variation). Inconsistent use of drops will vary the intraocular pressure (IOP) and has been scientifically proven to be detrimental to your glaucoma.

If you take a twice-daily drop, each drop works for twelve hours. If you take a once-daily drop, the medication works for approximately 24 hours. If you don’t take your medications, the pressure is not lowered. Therefore, in this period of time, your glaucoma could continue to slowly progress. Just as with high blood pressure, the glaucoma medication is critical regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms. Preservation of sight is dependent upon maintaining a regular regimen of medication as prescribed by your doctor. While missing a single occasional dose will not cause you to go blind, you should make every attempt to get yourself into a routine of taking your drops every day at the same time. If you are traveling or are out for the evening, plan ahead.

Therefore, when you miss a morning dose of your medicine, take it later in the day when you remember. If you forget your evening dose, use it in the morning when you remember. Continue your regular dosing thereafter, even if it seems like you are doubling up within a few hours.

Again, let me emphasize that skipping even a few doses can greatly increase the risk of visual loss. If you are due for an appointment with your ophthalmologist, and have not been taking the medication regularly, it is essential that you inform your ophthalmologist. Otherwise, the doctor may increase the dosage, thereby precipitating unwelcome side-effects.