• Live a normal life, do not panic!
• Use your prescribed pressure lowering eye drops as advised by your ophthalmologist
• Do not stop your drops as the glaucoma remains even if your pressure is good. Not having symptoms does not mean that your glaucoma is cured. The glaucoma is a life-long condition and complying with your treatment is of paramount importance to maintain your visual field and your vision and therefore a good quality of life.
• Do not change your glaucoma treatment unless advised by your ophthalmologist. Do not try somebody else’s medications or drops.
• Do not share eye drops (or any other medication) with friends and family.
• If you are struggling with a bottle of drops e.g., too hard or too small, inform your ophthalmologist to explore alternatives and ask assistance from friends or family in the meantime.
• If you experience side effects from your glaucoma drops, contact your ophthalmologist for advice and guidance.
• Keep your scheduled appointments with your ophthalmologist for the measurement of the intraocular pressure and the other tests required to monitor your eye condition such as visual field testing, OCTs, ophthalmological examination. At the beginning you might need more frequent appointments or tests but once your condition is stabilised you will need to be seen once or twice a year.

If you have glaucoma, advise your family members to be tested every 2 years after the age of 40 years old, or yearly if any risks factors for the development of glaucoma have been detected such as:

-If they have high myopia

-If they use steroid drops or are on long-term steroids

-If they had an eye injury

-If they have Afro-Caribbean origin

-If they have diabetes or hypertension.

General advice

Screening and early diagnosis for glaucoma results in better visual outcomes and can prevent serious non-reversible visual complications. Compliance with glaucoma treatment under specialized ophthalmological care can also preserve good vision throughout life.