Deep research and expert guides on maintaining your visual health.
Why Proper Eye Drop Technique Matters When treating eye conditions (like glaucoma), eye drops deliver medication directly to the eye. However, much of a drop can wash away through the tear ducts into the body, lowering the drug’s effect on the eye and raising the risk of side effects. For example, studies estimate that up to 80% of a topical eye drop drains through the nasolacrimal (tear) duct...
Beta-blocker eye drops are medicines placed in the eye to reduce pressure by slowing the production of fluid inside the eye. They are commonly used to treat glaucoma and are often effective, affordable, and widely available. The drops work locally in the eye but some of the medicine can travel through the tear duct into the nose and then into the bloodstream. Because they can enter the circulation, they may affect the heart or lungs in some people, so doctors avoid them in patients with certain conditions like severe asthma or certain heart rhythm problems. Common local effects include mild stinging, dry eyes, or temporary blurred vision when the drops are first placed. To reduce unwanted systemic effects, people can use simple measures after putting in drops, such as gently pressing the inside corner of the eye for a minute or closing the eyes for a short time to limit drainage. Dosing schedules vary, so it’s important to follow instructions and to tell your doctor about other medicines you take. With proper use and follow-up, beta-blocker eye drops can be a safe, effective part of long-term care to prevent vision loss from high eye pressure.
