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Do I need to continue using eye drops for high eye pressure?

Dr Rishi Mohan
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: I am 62 years old and have been diagnosed with high pressure (27.6) in both my eyes. The doctor opined that glaucoma has set in. I am also hypertensive. The doctor has prescribed me an eye drop Dortas (thrice daily) and said that I have to continue it for the rest of my life. My vision is not impaired much. Do I really need to continue using the drops lifelong or I can stop them if condition of my eyes improves?

A:You are fortunate to have got diagnosed before any damage had occurred. You must continue to use the drops life long to keep the eye pressure under control. If medication is stopped, then you will begin to get field damage over a period of time, which is an irreversible situation.During your lifetime, you may continue to require change of glasses and/or cataract operation as any other individual does.