Glaucoma: Treatment As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, pills and laser and surgical operations are used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring. With any type of glaucoma, periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can worsen without you being aware of it, treatment may need to be changed over time. Medicines Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drops taken several times a day, sometimes in combination with pills. These medications decrease eye pressure, either by slowing the production of aqueous fluid within the eye or by improving the flow leaving the drainage angle. For these medications to work, you must take them regularly and continuously. It is also important to tell all of your doctors about the eye medications you are using. Glaucoma medications can have side effects. You should notify your ophthalmologist immediately if you think you may be experiencing side effects. Some eye drops may cause: A stinging sensation Red eyes Blurred vision Headaches Changes in pulse, heartbeat or breathing. Pills sometimes cause: Tingling of fingers and toes Drowsiness Loss of appetite Bowel irregularities Kidney stones Anemia or easy bleeding