Hi - I was just diagnosed with regular pressure glaucoma in one eye 2 weeks ago, and given latanoprost drops to use every evening. I've read all the instructions, I put in one drop, feel it go into my eye, hold a finger over my tear duct for 1 minute, then repeat on the other side.
But more often than not, by the time the 1 minute is up, I've got a fair amount of fluid on my finger and/or on the top of my cheek under my eye. Does that mean the drops are just flowing in and straight out of my eye again? Or is it normal for your eyes to water and nothing to worry about? Any tips for stopping this happening? Should I tip my head right back? Would love some advice. I was told to get an appointment with my GP but it was cancelled because he's off sick, so I won't see him for a few weeks yet.
Extra question - One thing I find tricky/frustrating is that the bottle is rigid on the sides, not squeezable, so it's really hard to know when a drop is coming out - are all the bottles like this, or are there certain types/brands that come in a bottle that you squeeze and have a wee bit of control over when the drop comes out?
Thanks in advance
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Gyfers
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Just to add: I do tip my head right back while putting the drops in, and for the minute I'm waiting, and it doesn't seem to make too much difference, unless there's a secret trick to it, a particular angle to hold my head?!
I always lie on my back put the drops into my eyes then put a finger over the corner of my eyes that are nearest to my nose and apply pressure there for 2 minutes to prevent the drops from draining out. Then once 2 minutes is up wipe away whatever is left!
Thanks - so you do have to wipe some away afterwards? That’s my main concern, about the fact there seems to be fluid on my finger/under my eye afterwards.
I always put my eye drops lying down for maximum benefit....ie medication staying up instead of coming down, then with same tissue, gently press both the tear ducts so the medication doesn't travel down into nose and sinus...... punctual occlusion... for as long as you can ...2/3 minutes...a few gentle deep breaths.... speak to the eye drops to be accepted by your eyes....then I spray water around the eyes keeping them closed to wash/wipe off all the remainder of the medication.... This will help to prevent dark circles around the eyes for later on in life....Put a little virgin organic coconut oil around the eye lids before going to sleep to keep them moist.... don't worry the eyes are very resilient.... Just have fun and not get stressed about these things... embrace and accept as part of life.... Good day from Thailand..
I think I remember also worrying about the amount of drops I was getting into my eyes at first, especially if the dropper bottles changed.
If you have some spare drops , it is worth holding the bottle just as you would to install the drops ,but do it as a practice and see how it feels to drop the medication where you can easily see how much pressure is needed for an adequate dose.
I always find holding my head right back is easier for me, but there are other ways and Glaucoma UK has a downloadable leaflet about eye drops and instillation.
If you are able to store your drops in the fridge (look in the information leaflet to check that is OK for your drops ) then you should be able to feel when they go into your eye as they are really cool.Please put them where they will not freeze !
Some medics will ask you to wait for 2 minutes after each instillation, just to make sure.
If you do all that and some liquid still drops out then I think you should be doing it correctly, as the eye will absorb the medication in a few minutes.
Be careful to mop any extra off your cheeks as it is possible for some people to devlop a skin rash.
If your G.P surgery has a practice nurse then it may be worth a phone call to see if she could watch you install drops. Also Glaucoma UK Helpline is always there to keep us on the right tracks.
Thank you! Appreciate that. I did read the Glaucoma UK leaflet about eye drops which mentioned wiping some away, so I'm guessing that's normal and not a problem...
I’m also newly diagnosed so can totally relate! You’ve said you have Glaucoma in one eye, but are putting a drop in both eyes. Were you asked to do this?
Balacakkhu’s advice is good. I also use my mobile’s stopwatch to time the minute for each eye, just to be sure. I’m very myopic so sometimes the 1st drop lands on my cheek!
Without correction I can’t see in a mirror to detect how far from the eye the bottle is,... it can truly be a ‘hit’ or a ‘miss’ situation.
I always have excess moisture on my finger & under my bottom lashes too. This is definitely normal.
I’ve been using Latanoprost drops (Monoprost) since last October for Open Angle Glaucoma & in December the pressures had dropped, so I’m getting a decent dose in there.
Next appointment in June so hopefully pressures are stable.
My Mum’s in her 25th yr of her Glaucoma journey, with 8 operations/procedures behind her.
She still has good vision, though had to hand back her driving licence about 8yrs ago.
Mum’s journey shows there is a lot to be positive about.
Total compliance is the key & even severe Glaucoma, like hers, can be managed.
Thanks, everyone. My main question really is whether it's normal to have liquid on your finger/cheek when you've finished, my grumble about the bottles was just a side comment!
So would welcome all and any thoughts on that in particular. But will phone the Glaucoma UK phone line at some point for advice.
Hello Gyfers, If you follow the instructions you do not need to worry about it. The extra fluid may flow over the cheek and it is normal. When you put your eye drop please take your time and at proper place. Never rush. Some eye drops ask 1 minute and some ask 2 minutes. Please put the timer on by stop watch timer. You may notice 1 minute is very long time. The bottle or single dose unit it depends on the manufacture some are easy to squeeze some are rigid or difficult. With best wishes.
Thank you, that's really helpful, appreciate your answer. My drops ask 1 minute, I always use a timer, and sit down with a podcast playing to pass the time while I wait Good to hear the extra fluid is normal.
Hi Gyfers, I also have glaucoma in one eye and I was prescribed the same drops as you when diagnosed in July 2021. I nearly always find some drop on my finger and some on my cheek it’s perfectly normal. I worried at first if I was doing it wrong but have been for further check ups and my pressures have fallen and are within my target range, so I must have been doing it right all along! I find squeeze the bottle get rid of any air bubbles before use, tilt head back and I hold the corner of eye for two minutes just to make sure. I find it’s more tricky when the bottle is nearly empty. Lastly I always store in fridge as helps me feel the drop in the eye. Good luck on your Glaucoma journey 🙂
Thanks, Kiara, that's great to hear - that I'm doing it right, and that your pressures are down, congratulations! Perhaps I'll try the fridge tip, at least while I'm getting used to it. When you squeeze the bottle for air bubbles, do you do it with the bottle facing up, or down? Thanks for your answer!
Hello. I was prescribed a version of Latanoprost that is preservative free. It is called Monopost - comes in single dose containers - easier to use than hard sided bottles. At my local Moorfields clinic, they favour preservative free as it is kinder to your eyes in the long run. Am I the only one on Monopost as opposed to Latanoprost?Best wishes Gyfers.
No, I’m also on Monopost. I’m new to Glaucoma diagnosis (January this year) and I started on Latanoprost, but they gave me itchy eyes. I seem fine in the Monopost single dose sachets….
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