Therefore, failure to use eye drops at the recommended regular intervals throughout the entire time between appointments is an important reason why glaucoma can continue to worsen in some patients. These side effects may be serious, or they may be barely noticeable, and limited only to a treated eye, for example, and result in decreased vision, discomfort, or redness. Some eye drops get absorbed into the blood, and can affect heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and even mental function. Either local side effects of the eye or general ones which affect other parts of the body can cause a patient to purposefully miss one or more doses of the eye drop. They may believe that avoiding their use as prescribed by their doctor will make them feel better.
Education is perhaps the most important single means for improving compliance.
Both you and your eye doctor should enlist the support and cooperation of friends and relatives. Educating them about the effects of glaucoma and its treatment, as well as the importance of taking medications as directed, is often useful. For example, a spouse may assist you in using the eye drops so that they are properly placed and so that only one drop of a medication is given. Reducing side effects from eye drops is important for their safe use and can improve compliance. Depending on the eye drops which are being used, this can be achieved in several different ways.