Description

What Is Latanoprost?

Latanoprost is in a class of drugs called prostaglandin analogues. The main action is to increase the natural outflow of fluid from the eye. This causes the pressure inside the eye to drop.

Latanoprost is available as a solution (liquid) for drooping into the eye. The usual strength used is 0.005%. Your healthcare professional should decide what product and treatment schedule is right for you.

### What Is Latanoprost For?

Doctors primarily use latanoprost to reduce high pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Permanent vision loss can occur due to damage to the optic nerve from untreated glaucoma. This makes regular treatment and eye exams important.

Most importantly, Latanoprost can control high pressure in the eye but it cannot cure glaucoma. So, patients should not stop treatment when they feel good but follow the doctor’s instructions.

How To Use Latanoprost?

Latanoprost eye drops are typically used once daily in the evening for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take this medicine in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

If you are using other eye drops wait at least 5 minutes between the use of the other eye drops and Latanoprost unless your healthcare professional tells you otherwise. Also, remove contact lenses before using the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Potential Side Effects

Like all medicines, latanoprost may cause side effects. Some people may have eye irritation, such as burning, itching, dryness or redness. You can also get headache and feeling dizzy.

In addition, Latanoprost may cause gradual changes in eye colour. It can also lengthen, thicken or darken eyelashes. Some changes in pigmentation can be permanent.

If you have major changes in vision, serious eye symptoms, or other unusual problems, contact your healthcare professional.

Important Safety Information

Before you use Latanoprost tell your doctor about other medicines and eye products you use. Also tell about past eye surgery, eye inflammation, eye infections or problems with the lens of the eye. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should consult their healthcare professional prior to taking Latanoprost.

Regular eye exams also allow your doctor to check your eye pressure and how your treatment is working.

FAQs

Latanoprost is for glaucoma.

Yes. Doctors use latanoprost to lower high eye pressure caused by open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Does Latanoprost cure glaucoma?

No. Latanoprost helps to control eye pressure but it does not cure glaucoma.

Does Latanoprost change eye colour?

Yes. It may cause a gradual increase in brown pigmentation of the iris. This change could be permanent.

Can Latanoprost change eyelashes?

Yes. Some people have longer, thicker or darker eyelashes when they take the medicine.

Conclusion

Latanoprost is an important prescription eye medicine to decrease increased eye pressure. Used correctly, it can help control open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Treatment needs vary, but follow your prescription and see your eye doctor regularly. If you notice any major changes in your vision or eyes, call your health care professional right away.