Your doctor may have prescribed Latanoprost eye drops for high eye pressure or glaucoma. You may have many questions about using this medication. Things like, 'How do I apply this correctly?', 'Will there be any side effects?', 'Why do you say my eye color might change?' Don't worry, today we'll talk about all of this simply and honestly.
What exactly is Latanoprost?
Simply put, Latanoprost is a special medicine that helps reduce the pressure inside your eye. Our eyes constantly produce and release a fluid (aqueous humor). This is like filling a basin with water and letting some of the water drain out. This is what keeps the eye healthy.
But in conditions like glaucoma, this fluid is unable to drain out of the eye. Fluid builds up inside the eye, causing intraocular pressure to gradually increase. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, which helps the eye see. Latanoprost works by making it easier for this fluid to drain out, bringing the eye pressure back to normal. This medication is available under the brand name Xelpros.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you some questions. But it is very important that you inform him about these things as well. Because these can directly affect your treatment.
- Other eye diseases: If you have eye diseases other than glaucoma (e.g. closed angle glaucoma).
- Eye history: If there has been any previous eye injury, infection, or swelling .
- Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, tell us about it.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives, not just to Latanoprost.
- Special circumstances: This is a must-mention if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .
Telling your doctor this information without hiding it will greatly help you receive safe and successful treatment.
How do you use this eye drop correctly?
It's very important to do this correctly. Let's see how to do it step by step.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
2. Prepare: Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Gently pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger. This will create a small pouch.
3. Apply the medicine: Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, eyelid, or hand . Doing so can transfer germs to the bottle. Put the number of drops your doctor prescribed (usually one drop) into the prepared bag.
4. Close your eye: After applying the medicine, slowly close your eye and gently press the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for about a minute. This will help the medicine spread throughout your eye and reduce the chance of it going into your throat.
5. Only use the prescribed amount: Do not use the medicine more often than your doctor tells you to (usually once a day). Taking more will not make you feel better faster , and it may only increase the side effects.
6. Other eye drops: If you are using other eye drops, apply one and wait at least 5 minutes before applying the other.
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
If you suddenly forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you accidentally take too much medicine or if someone drinks it, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Let's also be aware of the side effects.
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But don't worry. Most of the time, these aren't serious. But it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Change in vision | If you experience blurred vision or other changes. |
| Eye pain, redness | New or increasing pain, redness, itching, or discharge from the eye. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Eye color change | The color of the iris of the eye changes to brown. |
| Changes in eyelashes | Increase in the length, thickness, or number of eyelashes. |
| General inconveniences | Dry eyes, slight itching, and excessive tearing after applying the medication. |
What else should you be careful about when using the medicine?
Eye color change
One thing about this medicine is that sometimes the color of your iris, eyelids, and eyelashes can change . This usually happens gradually over a period of months. If you only use the medicine in one eye, that eye may be a little darker than the other, and the eyelashes may become longer and thicker. These changes may be permanent . If you notice anything like this, don't panic and tell your doctor.
Contact Lenses
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the eye drops. You can put them back in 15 minutes after applying the medicine.
Other medications
Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including other eye drops and herbal remedies). This can interact with other eye drops, especially those used for glaucoma, such as bimatoprost and travoprost.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine bottle?
Keep this out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature (2-25 degrees Celsius) away from light. Do not use expired medicine.
Medicines that are expired or no longer needed should be disposed of. The best thing to do is to check with your hospital to see if they have a program to take them back. If that's not possible, don't flush them down the toilet. You can take the medicine out of the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put it in a well-sealed bag, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Latanoprost is a medication that is used to reduce eye pressure (glaucoma). Use it exactly as your doctor tells you to, and at the right time.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the medicine. Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eyes or eyelids.
- If you notice any changes in eye color, eyelid color, or the length/thickness of your eyelashes, don't be afraid to tell your doctor. These are common side effects of this medication.
- If you experience eye pain, swelling, redness, or discharge, stop taking the medication immediately and see a doctor.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about all other medications you use (including other eye drops and herbal remedies).
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. If you have any questions, always ask your doctor.
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