Latanoprost — How It Works & How to Use It
Latanoprost is a prescription eye drop used to lower eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It’s a prostaglandin analog that helps fluid drain from your eye, so pressure goes down. That pressure drop keeps the optic nerve safer and reduces the chance of vision loss over time.
If you’ve been handed a bottle of latanoprost, you probably want the practical stuff: when to use it, what to expect, and how to avoid common issues. Below are clear, no-nonsense tips that most people find useful.
How to use latanoprost safely
Use latanoprost once a day, usually in the evening. One drop in the affected eye(s) is all you need. Don’t use it more often — extra doses won’t work better and can cause irritation.
Steps that help the drop work and reduce wastage:
- Wash your hands first.
- Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and squeeze one drop into the pocket that forms.
- Close your eye gently for 1–2 minutes to let the medicine absorb. Press the corner of your eye (near the nose) for 1 minute if you’re worried about the drug reaching the rest of your body.
- Wait at least 5–15 minutes before using any other eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying latanoprost and wait 15 minutes before putting lenses back in. Some bottles contain benzalkonium chloride, which can stick to lenses.
Side effects, warnings, and storage
Common side effects are mild: eye redness, burning or sting, blurred vision right after the drop, and increased eyelash growth or darkening. Latanoprost can also darken the iris (the colored part of your eye) over time — this change may be permanent in some people.
Serious reactions are rare but call your doctor if you get severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, signs of infection, or a strong allergic reaction. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning eye surgery.
Storage rules vary by brand. Many products are refrigerated before opening, then okay at room temperature for a limited time after opening (often around 6 weeks). Check your patient leaflet or ask the pharmacist — they’ll tell you exactly how to store your bottle.
Quick tips: use the drop at the same time each evening, keep track of the bottle’s open date, and don’t skip follow-up pressure checks with your eye doctor. If the drops sting a lot or you notice dramatic changes in appearance or vision, call your provider. With the right use, latanoprost is a simple, effective way to protect your sight over the long run.
