How Important Is It To Be Diligent About Taking Glaucoma Medication?

Dr. Rhee answers the question: 'Diligence With Glaucoma Meds?'

ByABC News
December 23, 2008, 5:52 PM

Aug. 24, 2009— -- Question: How important is it to be diligent about taking glaucoma medication?

Answer: It is very important that people use their very best effort to use their medications as regularly as possible. Medications that are prescribed twice a day generally only last slightly less than 12 hours. Therefore, in order to get a therapeutic dose of the medication, it's necessary to take it twice a day. Similarly, medications that are dosed once a day generally only last about 24 hours, so if you skip any of these medications then you're not getting the full amount.

We also know that it's not good for your pressure to fluctuate a great deal. So if you're taking interval doses rather than consistently taking your medications, this might be very bad.