What It Signals

Cosopt (Dorzolamide/Timolol) is a combination eye drop prescribed to manage glaucoma and ocular hypertension by lowering intraocular pressure. Use indicates you have been diagnosed with elevated eye pressure and are actively managing this condition with topical medication. Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that can lead to vision loss if untreated, but it is highly manageable when intraocular pressure is controlled with regular medication and monitoring. Life insurance companies have extensive experience evaluating applicants with glaucoma and view well-controlled eye pressure as manageable and insurable. Unlike progressive systemic diseases, glaucoma that is controlled with medication typically remains stable indefinitely with consistent treatment.

“Glaucoma managed with Cosopt is one of the most favorable eye conditions from a life insurance perspective. Insurers know that applicants taking Cosopt are actively managing their intraocular pressure. Approval is very likely with well-controlled eye pressure and recent ophthalmologic exams demonstrating good control. Cosopt use signals responsible health management.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

“Glaucoma underwriting is straightforward. Insurers need recent ophthalmologic exam results showing your current intraocular pressure and visual field assessment. They want proof that you’re taking Cosopt consistently and seeing an ophthalmologist regularly for monitoring. They also assess whether you have any vision loss from glaucoma and whether your eye pressure remains stable over time. For most applicants with well-controlled glaucoma, approval is very straightforward.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

Current Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

A recent eye exam shows your current IOP is the primary underwriting factor. IOP below 21 mmHg is considered normal. IOP 21-25 mmHg may be acceptable depending on the individual target pressure. Higher pressures raise underwriting concerns. Recent measurements (within 3-6 months) are preferred.

Visual Field Stability

A stable visual field on recent testing is favorable. Progressive visual field loss signals advancing disease and raises concerns. Applicants with stable fields over time get better underwriting outcomes. Recent visual field tests document the current status.

Glaucoma Stage (Early, Moderate, Advanced)

Early or moderate glaucoma with stable vision is most favorable. Advanced glaucoma or glaucoma with significant vision loss can complicate underwriting. Disease stage is determined by optic nerve damage and the severity of visual field loss.

Consistency of Medical Care

Regular ophthalmologic visits demonstrate ongoing monitoring. Applicants who see their eye doctor regularly for pressure checks and visual field testing get better underwriting outcomes. Gaps in eye care or infrequent monitoring raise questions about disease management.

Type of Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common and has standard underwriting. Secondary glaucomas (from other conditions) or angle-closure glaucoma may have different underwriting depending on the underlying cause and stability.

Honesty Protects Your Approval

Complete disclosure on glaucoma applications leads to straightforward approval. Insurers will verify information through ophthalmologic records anyway, so omissions or misstatements will be discovered. Honesty upfront prevents denials and ensures your coverage is secure after approval.

“Glaucoma disclosure is straightforward. Report your diagnosis date, current intraocular pressure from recent eye exams, your visual field status, and how long you’ve been on Cosopt. Honesty about IOP levels and vision status leads to better outcomes than minimization. Your ophthalmologic records will confirm this information anyway.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

Glaucoma Diagnosis and Type

Report when you were diagnosed with glaucoma and whether it is primary open-angle, angle-closure, secondary, or another type. If you know the classification, include it. Your ophthalmologist’s records will document this.

Current Intraocular Pressure

Provide your most recent IOP measurements from your last eye exam. Include both eyes if they differ. If you don’t know your current pressure, get recent exam records from your ophthalmologist before applying.

Visual Field Status and Vision

Disclose whether you have any vision loss from glaucoma and whether your visual fields are stable or changing. Report whether you have good vision, moderate vision loss, or significant vision limitations. Be honest about functional vision.

Current Glaucoma Medications

List Cosopt and any other glaucoma medications or eye drops you use. Include whether these are in one or both eyes, and how frequently you use them. Complete medication history shows the treatment approach.

Eye Exam Frequency

Disclose how often you see your ophthalmologist for eye exams and pressure monitoring. Regular follow-ups (typically 3-6 months for glaucoma patients) demonstrate consistent management. If you haven’t had a recent exam, schedule one before applying.

Any Prior Eye Surgery or Procedures

Report any glaucoma surgeries (trabeculectomy, MIGS, cyclophotocoagulation, etc.) or laser procedures. Include dates and outcomes. Eye surgery changes underwriting slightly but doesn’t typically result in denial.

“Approval with Cosopt is very likely for applicants with well-controlled intraocular pressure, stable or good vision, and no significant vision loss from glaucoma. This is one of the most favorable eye condition applications to underwrite. Most applicants get straightforward approval within 2-3 weeks. Even applicants with moderate glaucoma and stable vision typically get approved at reasonable rates. Vision loss from glaucoma can complicate underwriting, but doesn’t automatically result in denial.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

Early Glaucoma, Well-Controlled IOP, Stable Vision

Early or moderate glaucoma, IOP below target (well-controlled), stable or good visual fields over time, minimal vision loss, on Cosopt for 2+ years, sees ophthalmologist regularly for monitoring. This applicant has excellent approval odds and typically receives standard or near-standard rates. This is the most favorable glaucoma profile.

Moderate Glaucoma With Stable Vision

Approval is very likely. Moderate glaucoma with stable or slowly progressive visual fields and controlled IOP typically results in approval. Rates may be slightly higher (5-15% increase) than those for early glaucoma. Vision stability is the key factor.

Borderline Controlled IOP (21-25 mmHg)

IOP in the 21-25 mmHg range with stable vision still results in approval, though rates may be slightly higher (0-10% increase). Many ophthalmologists use individualized target pressures above 21 mmHg; insurers understand this context.

Prior Eye Surgery With Current Control

Applicants with a history of glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy, MIGS) who are now well-controlled on Cosopt typically still get approved. Prior surgery doesn’t result in denial if the current IOP and vision are stable. Rates are similar to those of medically managed applicants.

Poorly Controlled Glaucoma (IOP Above 25)

IOP consistently above 25 mmHg despite being on Cosopt results in a decline from some carriers or significant rate increases. Applicants in this situation should work with their ophthalmologist to improve IOP control (increasing medication strength, adding a second agent, or considering surgery) before applying. Waiting 2-3 months while optimizing control often allows for much better underwriting.

Advanced Glaucoma With Significant Vision Loss

Approval is still possible but underwriting is more detailed. Applicants with advanced glaucoma and significant vision loss face higher rates (10-25%+ increase) or possible decline from some carriers. Well-controlled pressure post-surgery or with intensive medication helps. Documented stable vision (not worsening) is favorable.

Rapidly Progressive Vision Loss

Recent rapid worsening of vision or visual fields despite treatment raises underwriting concerns about disease progression. Applicants in this situation typically face decline or very high rates. The focus should be on stabilizing the disease with an ophthalmologist’s guidance before the insurance application.

“Cosopt applicants with well-controlled glaucoma typically pay standard to slightly elevated rates. This is very favorable compared to most other conditions. Rate increases are usually minimal—often 0-10% for well-controlled applicants with stable vision. IOP control and vision stability are the primary drivers; these factors alone determine your rates. Well-controlled glaucoma represents one of the best underwriting scenarios in life insurance.”

– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team

Early/Moderate Glaucoma, Well-Controlled IOP, Stable Vision

Rate increase: 0-5% above standard or sometimes standard rates. Example: A 55-year-old who would pay $70/month at standard rates might pay $70-74/month with well-controlled glaucoma. This is minimal to no impact.

Moderate Glaucoma With Borderline IOP Control

Rate increase: 5-10% above standard. Example: The same applicant might pay $74-80/month. Borderline control results in a minimal rate increase.

Advanced Glaucoma With Moderate Vision Loss

Rate increase: 10-25% above standard. Example: The same applicant might pay $88-105/month. Significant vision loss results in higher rates, but approval is still likely if IOP is controlled.

Poorly Controlled Glaucoma (IOP Above 25)

Rate increase: 10-40%+ or possible decline. Applicants with poorly controlled IOP face higher rates and possible denial. The solution is often to work with your ophthalmologist to control IOP better, then reapply for much better rates.

Get Your IOP Optimized and Recent Eye Exams

See your ophthalmologist and get recent exam results, including current IOP and visual field assessment. If your IOP is not well-controlled, work with your eye doctor for 2-3 months to optimize treatment before applying. Having documented IOP at or below your target pressure significantly improves approval odds and rates. Bring recent exam results to your application.

Gather Your Ophthalmologic Records

Get copies of your most recent eye exam report, recent IOP measurements, visual field test results, and optic nerve assessment. If you have multiple exam records over time, these help demonstrate stability. Complete records speed underwriting and reduce requests for additional information.

Schedule a Recent Eye Exam If Needed

If your most recent eye exam is older than 6 months, schedule a new one before applying. Insurers prefer recent IOP and visual field measurements. Current exam results speed up underwriting significantly.

Be Clear About Your IOP Control and Vision

Provide your most recent IOP measurements and explain your target pressure. If you have multiple recent IOP readings, share them—showing consistent control over time strengthens your application. Be honest about your current vision and whether it is stable.

Submit Eye Exam Records Proactively

Don’t wait for the insurer to request ophthalmologic records. Provide them upfront. This demonstrates transparency and speeds up underwriting. Include recent exam summaries, IOP measurements, and visual field results.

Respond Quickly to Any Requests

If the insurer requests additional information or eye exam records, respond quickly. Delays extend the underwriting timeline. Glaucoma underwriting is fast and straightforward—don’t slow it down with late responses.

Wait and Optimize Before Applying

If your IOP is above target, work with your ophthalmologist for 2-3 months to optimize treatment. Many applicants improve IOP control by increasing Cosopt strength, adding a second medication, or considering surgery. Applying after demonstrating improvement can mean the difference between decline and approval, or between higher rates and standard rates.

Will I be declined because I take Cosopt?

Direct answer: No. Cosopt use does not disqualify applicants. Approval depends on IOP control.

Well-controlled intraocular pressure on Cosopt results in approval for the vast majority of applicants. This is one of the easiest eye condition medications to get approved for. Decline is unlikely unless your IOP is poorly controlled despite medication.

How much will Cosopt increase my rates?

Direct answer: Likely very little or none. Often 0-10% or less if your IOP is well-controlled.

Well-controlled glaucoma typically results in standard or near-standard rates. This is one of the most favorable conditions in life insurance. If your IOP is less well-controlled, rates might be 5-15% higher. Vision loss can add slightly more to rates.

What IOP level is acceptable to insurers?

Direct answer: Below 21 mmHg is considered normal. Up to 25 mmHg is usually acceptable, though rates may be slightly higher.

IOP above 25 mmHg despite being on Cosopt signals inadequate control and results in higher rates or possible decline. Individual target pressures vary based on glaucoma severity; insurers understand this. If your IOP is consistently above 25, work with your ophthalmologist to improve control before applying.

Do I have to disclose my glaucoma?

Direct answer: Yes. Always disclose diagnosed glaucoma on life insurance applications.

Omitting glaucoma could be treated as application fraud and result in denial or cancellation. Complete honesty protects your coverage. Insurance companies verify information through medical records anyway—disclosure is always the safest approach.

How long does underwriting take for glaucoma?

Direct answer: Typically 2-3 weeks. Glaucoma is one of the fastest applications to underwrite.

Well-controlled glaucoma with recent eye exam records moves quickly through underwriting. Incomplete information may extend timelines slightly. Having your eye exam records and IOP results ready speeds the process significantly.

Will I need medical testing?

Direct answer: Possibly general health screening, blood work. Rarely is additional eye testing for glaucoma specifically.

Many applicants with glaucoma may need standard blood work as part of general health screening. Eye testing specific to glaucoma is not typically ordered by insurers; they rely on your ophthalmologic records. If your records are current, additional eye testing is rare.

What if I have significant vision loss from glaucoma?

Direct answer: Approval is still possible, but underwriting is more detailed, and rates may be higher.

Applicants with significant vision loss from glaucoma are still insurable, especially if vision is now stable. Underwriters require detailed documentation of your current functional status. Rates are typically 10-25% higher if vision loss is significant. Documented stable vision (not worsening) helps.

Can I get life insurance if my IOP isn’t well-controlled yet?

Direct answer: Yes, but rates will be higher. Better to wait and optimize first.

Applicants with an IOP above 25 mmHg can still apply, but outcomes are less favorable. The better strategy is to work with your ophthalmologist for 2-3 months to improve control, then apply. Many applicants who wait see dramatically better approval odds and rates by demonstrating improved control.

Will my insurance rates change after I get the policy?

Direct answer: No. Once approved and in force, your premiums remain locked in regardless of future health changes.

Any changes to your IOP, vision, or glaucoma after the policy issue won’t affect your rates or benefits. Lock in coverage now at favorable rates. Your rates stay the same for the life of your policy.