Latanoprost eye drops

About latanoprost eye drops

An increase in pressure within your eye can lead to damage to the optic nerve at the back of your eye. When this occurs it is called glaucoma. Glaucoma can lead to a loss of vision if it is not treated. If you have an increased pressure within your eye but without any damage to the optic nerve, this is called ocular hypertension. People with ocular hypertension have an increased risk of later developing glaucoma. Treatment with latanoprost eye drops helps to reduce eye pressure in people with ocular hypertension, and to prevent further eye damage in people with open-angle glaucoma.

Latanoprost eye drops work by increasing the drainage of fluid from the inside of your eye. This helps to lower the pressure within your eye. Latanoprost eye drops are available as bottles of eye drops which contain a preservative, and also as single-dose units which do not contain a preservative.

Sometimes, more than one type of eye drop is needed to keep the pressure in the eye low. If this is the case for you, you may be asked to use two different eye drops, or you may be given drops which combine more than one type. Latanoprost is available as a combination eye drop with another medicine which reduces eye pressure, called timolol (a beta-blocker), in brands such as Xalacom® and Fixapost®.

Before using latanoprost eye drops

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using latanoprost it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have had surgery on your eye to replace or remove the lens (such as cataract removal).

• If you have a breathing problem such as asthma or COPD.

• If you have had problems in the past with viral infections in your eye.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines or eye drops. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to use latanoprost eye drops

1. Wash your hands well before you use the drops.

2. Open the bottle, or if you are using a single-use dose unit, remove the tip of the unit.

3. Tilt your head back a little and pull the lower lid of your eye downwards to form a pocket.

4. Hold the bottle or single-use dose unit upside down near to your eye. Try not to touch your eye as you do this.

5. Apply enough pressure to release one drop into your eye. Do not use more than one drop - using several drops does not improve your glaucoma but will increase the risk of side-effects.

6. Close your eye for a minute or two, and press gently on the side of your nose where the corner of your eye meets your nose. This helps to stop the drop from draining away and keeps it in your eye.

7. Repeat the process in your other eye if you have been told to use the drops in both eyes. If you are using single-dose units, there is sufficient liquid in one unit to put a drop into both eyes.

8. Put the cap back on the bottle, or if you are using the single-use dose unit, throw it away.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before you start using the eye drops, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from the pack. It will give you more information about the eye drops and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using them.

• Use one drop in the eye (or eyes) affected once a day. Your doctor may recommend you use the drops in the evening.

• Remember to use the drops every day. If you do forget, do not double up on the next day to make up for a missed dose.

• Take care not to touch the tip of the dropper with your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This is to prevent the drops from becoming contaminated.

• If any of the eye drop solution runs on to your face, wipe it away as soon as you can with a clean tissue or hanky.

• If you are using any other eye drops, leave 5-10 minutes between applying each one. This is to prevent more liquid going into your eye than it can handle. Otherwise the drops will overflow from your eye and not have the intended effect.

• When first put in, eye drops can make your eyes water and may sometimes cause blurred vision. If this happens, it should quickly clear. Make sure you can see clearly again before you drive, or before using tools or machines.

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor and eye clinic so that your progress can be checked.

• Do not wear soft contact lenses unless your doctor has advised you otherwise. This is because bottles of eye drops contain preservatives which can affect some soft contact lenses.The single-dose units do not contain a preservative.

Can latanoprost eye drops cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, eye drops can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with latanoprost. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the drops. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the eye drops, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store latanoprost eye drops

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Please check the information on the label for the correct storage requirements. Some brands of eye drops can be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. Other brands need to be stored in a refrigerator before being opened.

• Eye drops in bottles can be used for four weeks once the bottle has been opened. Even if there is still some solution remaining after this time, throw the bottle away and use a new one. This will help to prevent the risk of eye infections.
  

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