Has your doctor prescribed you an eye drop to treat your eye pressure, or glaucoma? If so, it's likely to be Travoprost. You probably have a lot of questions about this medication. You're probably wondering things like, "How do I use this?", "Will there be any side effects?", "What are the things to be concerned about?" Don't worry, today we'll be your friend and talk to you about this medication in a simple way.
Why are we given this Travoprost medicine?
Simply put, Travoprost is an eye drop that is used in two main situations.
1. Control High Pressure in the Eye: Our eyes produce fluid and drain it out of the eye. As long as this process is balanced, there is no problem. But sometimes, when this fluid does not drain properly, the pressure inside the eye increases. This is what we call 'increased eye pressure'.
2. Treat open-angle glaucoma: If the pressure inside the eye remains high for a long time, the main nerve that helps us see, the optic nerve, begins to be damaged. This is what we call glaucoma. This is a serious condition that gradually weakens vision, sometimes even leading to blindness.
Travoprost works by reducing the pressure inside the eye by making it easier for the fluid to drain. By controlling the pressure in this way, we can stop or reduce damage to the optic nerve.
The most important things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before you start using this medicine, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor. Because your other health conditions may affect this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor the following information.
- If you have another type of glaucoma (e.g. closed angle glaucoma).
- If you currently have a condition such as an injury, infection, or swelling in your eye.
- If you are a contact lens wearer.
- If you have allergies to Travoprost or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby soon.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Giving this information to your doctor will greatly help him treat you safely and effectively.
How do you use this eye drop correctly?
To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to apply it directly to the eye. While this may seem a bit difficult to some people, it becomes easy to get used to after a few days of practice. Let's see how to do it.
| Steps | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. |
| 2. Head tilt | Sit in a chair or lie down in bed and tilt your head back slightly. It's easier to do this in front of a mirror. |
| 3. Blinking | Gently pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger, creating a small pouch. |
| 4. Administering medication | Without letting the dropper tip of the medicine bottle touch your eyes, fingers, or anywhere else, put the number of drops of medicine prescribed by the doctor into the prepared bag. |
| 5. Closing your eyes | After applying the medicine, slowly close your eyes and wait for **a minute or two**. Do not rub your eyes. Gently pressing the corner of your eye towards your nose with your finger will also prevent the medicine from going down your throat. |
| 6. Other medications | If you are using another eye solution, wait **at least 5 minutes** after applying this medicine before applying the other medicine. |
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
If you forget to take your medicine at the time your doctor prescribed, 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 two doses at once just because you forgot.
What if I put too much on by mistake?
Since this is an eye medication, the risk of serious harm is low. However, if you think you have used too much of this medication, or if someone has accidentally taken 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.
Special things to be aware of when using the medicine
There are several things you should pay attention to when using this medicine.
- Eye color changes: This is something that many people are concerned about. Travoprost may cause your iris to darken gradually, especially if it is brown. The skin around your eyelids and eyelashes may also change color. Eyelashes may grow longer and thicker. These changes may be permanent . If you are only using the medication in one eye, you may notice a difference in appearance between your eyes. Don't worry, but it's important to tell your doctor if you notice this.
This medication may cause changes in the color of the eye or eyelids, such as lengthening of the eyebrows. Although these are usually harmless, it is important to talk to your doctor about these changes, as they may be permanent.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before applying the medication . You should wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.
- Sensitivity to light: This medication may make it difficult for some people to tolerate light. If this happens, wear dark glasses when going outside.
- Medical check-up: It is essential to see your doctor at the scheduled time to have your eyes checked to make sure your eye pressure is properly controlled and that your medication is working.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Travoprost can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, other vision changes. |
| Eye infections/edema | Eye swelling, pain, and discharge from the eye. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Eye discomfort | Burning, tingling, or discomfort immediately after applying the medication. |
| Color change | Change in the color of the black eye, eyelids, or eyebrows. |
| Other minor features | Dry eyes, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
How do you store the medicine?
To maintain the quality of the medicine, it must be stored properly.
- Keep away from children.
- Store between 2 and 25 degrees Celsius (2°C - 25°C). Simply put, store at room temperature, in a dry place, not too hot or too cold. Do not refrigerate.
- Throw away expired medicine bottles.
Take-Home Message
- Travoprost is an important eye solution used to control eye pressure and glaucoma.
- Before using the medicine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions, especially pregnancy and allergies.
- Use the medicine correctly, at the right time, as directed by your doctor. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- Things like eye color change and eyebrow lengthening may occur, so talk to your doctor about it.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not let anyone else use this medicine for any reason.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or concerns about this medication, talk to your doctor about it.
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