How do eye drops for glaucoma work?

Eye drops for glaucoma lower eye pressure, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Some do this by increasing the drainage of eye fluid, while others help reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces.

Eye drops are a very common initial treatment for glaucoma, explains the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Depending upon their purpose, the eye drops have different active ingredients. Prostaglandin analogs enhance fluid drainage. Both beta blockers and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors limit how much fluid the eye makes. Alpha agonists perform both functions. In addition, some eye drop prescriptions conveniently combine medications into one bottle for patients who need to address multiple problems.