Ganfort is a once-daily fixed-combination eye drop that combines bimatoprost 0.3 mg/ml (a prostaglandin analogue) with timolol 5 mg/ml (a beta-blocker) to lower intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It is used when a single drop has not lowered pressure enough, pairing two highly effective and complementary medicines in one bottle for simpler, once-a-day treatment. Our consultant glaucoma specialists confirm suitability, prescribe it and monitor your pressure and optic nerve.
What Ganfort is
Ganfort brings together two well-established pressure-lowering medicines in a single drop. Bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analogue, increases the natural drainage of fluid out of the eye. Timolol, a beta-blocker, reduces the amount of fluid the eye produces. Because the two act in different and complementary ways, the combination lowers eye pressure more than either drop alone — and replaces two separate bottles with one convenient once-daily drop.
It is prescribed for adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension whose pressure stays too high on a single medicine. It is available both as a preserved multidose bottle and as a preservative-free (Ganfort PF) single-use form, which suits patients with sensitive eyes or who do not tolerate preservatives. For a prostaglandin-free fixed combination, compare Simbrinza; for a different drainage-boosting pairing, see Roclanda.
How to use it
The dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, usually in the morning. If you use other eye drops, leave at least five minutes between them, and remove contact lenses before instilling the drop (they can be replaced after 15 minutes). Gently pressing the inner corner of the eye for a minute after the drop reduces the amount absorbed into the body. Taking it at the same time each day gives the steadiest pressure control, and wiping away any excess helps limit darkening of the skin around the eye.
Pressure not controlled on a single drop? A consultant can review whether a once-daily prostaglandin/beta-blocker combination like Ganfort suits you.
Book your assessmentSuitability & side effects
Ganfort suits people who need more pressure reduction than one drop provides and who can safely use a beta-blocker. Because it contains timolol, it is not suitable if you have asthma, severe COPD, or certain heart conditions such as a slow heart rate, heart block or uncontrolled heart failure — tell your consultant about any breathing or heart problems. The most common effects come from the bimatoprost component: red eyes, longer and darker eyelashes, gradual darkening of the iris and of the skin around the eye, and occasionally a slightly sunken appearance of the eye over long-term use. Your consultant weighs these against the benefit of avoiding surgery and reviews alternatives — including a prostaglandin-free combination, SLT laser and glaucoma surgery — if drops are not tolerated or not enough.
Cost of private Ganfort treatment
The drop itself is a standard prescription medicine dispensed at pharmacy cost; the main private cost is the specialist care around it. A consultant glaucoma assessment from £240 covers your pressure check, optic-nerve and visual-field assessment, the prescription and a monitoring plan. Because glaucoma needs lifelong follow-up, most patients arrange periodic reviews. See the full glaucoma price guide, the glaucoma treatment prices, or the overall price guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ganfort used for?
Ganfort is a once-daily eye drop for adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It combines bimatoprost (a prostaglandin analogue) and timolol (a beta-blocker) to lower intraocular pressure, used when a single-agent drop has not reduced pressure enough.
How does Ganfort lower eye pressure?
It works in two complementary ways. Bimatoprost increases the natural outflow of fluid from the eye, while timolol reduces how much fluid the eye produces, so together they lower pressure more than either drug alone.
How often do I use Ganfort?
One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, usually in the morning. Leave at least five minutes between Ganfort and any other eye drops, and remove contact lenses before use, replacing them after 15 minutes.
What are the side effects of Ganfort?
Common effects include red eyes, longer and darker eyelashes, and gradual darkening of the iris and the skin around the eye from the bimatoprost component. Because it contains the beta-blocker timolol, it is not suitable for people with asthma, severe COPD or certain heart conditions. Your consultant will discuss these and monitor you.
What if drops do not control my glaucoma?
If pressure stays high or drops are not tolerated, options include SLT laser trabeculoplasty and glaucoma surgery such as MIGS or trabeculectomy. A consultant assessment determines the best next step for your eyes.