Latanoprost (Eye Drop)

Latanoprost is an eye drop medicine used to treat high pressure inside the eye, a condition often associated with glaucoma.

Drug class	Prostaglandin Analogue
Type	Single
Forms	Eye Drop
Common strength	0.005%
Common Indian brands	Xalatan, 9 PM, Latoprost, Ioprost, Lacoma
Prescription status	Prescription

What Latanoprost is used for

Latanoprost eye drops are primarily used to lower high pressure inside your eye. This high pressure can damage the optic nerve, which is essential for vision. By reducing this pressure, Latanoprost helps protect your eyesight. It is considered a first-line treatment for:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma, where the drainage angle of the eye is open, but fluid doesn’t drain properly.
• Ocular hypertension: This means you have high pressure in your eye, but without any signs of optic nerve damage yet. Treating it can prevent glaucoma from developing.

How it works

Your eye constantly produces a clear fluid called aqueous humour, which helps maintain its shape and nourishes it. Normally, this fluid drains out of the eye through specific pathways. In conditions like glaucoma, this drainage system doesn’t work as efficiently, leading to a build-up of fluid and increased pressure inside the eye.

Latanoprost works by opening up an alternative drainage pathway within your eye, called the uveoscleral outflow. Think of it like creating an extra exit door for the fluid. This allows the fluid to leave the eye more easily, which in turn helps to lower the pressure inside your eye effectively.

How it’s used

Latanoprost eye drops are very simple to use, but it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely to get the best results and avoid side effects. Here’s how it is typically used:

• Dosing: You should instil one drop ONCE every night, in the affected eye or eyes.
• Timing: It is very important to use this medicine at night. This specific timing helps the medicine work most effectively.
• Do NOT use more drops: Using more than one drop at a time or more frequently than once a night will NOT make the medicine work better. In fact, it could increase the risk of side effects. Stick to the prescribed dose.

Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after using eye drops. Avoid touching the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.

Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.

Brands available in India

• Xalatan
• 9 PM
• Latoprost
• Ioprost
• Lacoma

Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.

Precautions & side effects

While Latanoprost is a safe and effective medicine, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Dosing is key: Remember, more drops do NOT work better. One drop once nightly in the affected eye(s) is the correct and most effective dose. Deviating from this can reduce its effectiveness or increase side effects.
• Potential Side Effects: Some common side effects you might notice include:
  • Darkening of the iris: This is a gradual change in eye colour, usually making blue or green eyes appear browner. It is often permanent.
  • Darkening of the eyelid skin: The skin around your eyes might become slightly darker.
  • Longer and thicker eyelashes: Your eyelashes might grow longer, thicker, and sometimes darker.
  • Eye redness: You might experience some temporary redness in the treated eye.

  These side effects are generally not harmful, but if they bother you or you have any concerns, please discuss them with your ophthalmologist.

• Storage: Unopened bottles of Latanoprost should be stored in the refrigerator. Once you open a bottle, it can be kept at room temperature. Always check the expiry date on the bottle.
• Prescription Medicine: Latanoprost is a prescription eye medicine. Use it only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription.

Understanding Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eye and your brain. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness. The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, often has no early warning signs, which is why regular eye check-ups are so important, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma.

Ocular hypertension means that the pressure inside your eye is higher than normal, but your optic nerve has not yet shown any signs of damage. While it’s not glaucoma itself, ocular hypertension significantly increases your risk of developing it. Medicines like Latanoprost are prescribed to lower this pressure and prevent the onset of glaucoma, thereby protecting your vision for the long term. Early detection and consistent treatment are crucial for managing these conditions and preserving your eyesight.

Correct Way to Use Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly ensures the medicine reaches your eye effectively and reduces the risk of contamination. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing germs into your eye.
2. Prepare the Bottle: If the bottle is new, check the seal and remove the cap. Do not touch the dropper tip.
3. Tilt Your Head: Tilt your head back slightly or lie down.
4. Create a Pocket: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger to create a small pocket.
5. Instil the Drop: Hold the dropper bottle upside down with your other hand, directly over your eye. Squeeze the bottle gently to release a single drop into the pocket you created. Try not to let the dropper tip touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes.
6. Close Your Eye: Gently close your eye for a minute or two. Avoid blinking or squeezing your eye shut, as this can push the medicine out.
7. Press the Inner Corner: You can gently press your finger on the inner corner of your eye (near your nose) for a minute. This helps prevent the medicine from draining into your tear duct and entering your bloodstream, which can reduce systemic side effects.
8. Wipe Excess: Gently blot any excess liquid around your eye with a clean tissue.
9. Replace Cap: Put the cap back on the bottle immediately.
10. Wash Hands Again: Wash your hands again to remove any medicine residue.

If you need to use more than one type of eye drop, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different drops to allow each medicine to be absorbed properly.

General Hygiene, Storage, and When to Seek Help

Maintaining good hygiene is paramount when using eye drops. Never share your eye drops with anyone else, as this can spread infections. Always check the expiry date on the bottle and discard any expired medicine. For Latanoprost, remember to store unopened bottles in the refrigerator, and once opened, they can be kept at room temperature.

It’s important to be aware of when to contact your ophthalmologist. If you experience any new or worsening eye pain, sudden changes in vision, severe redness, swelling, or discharge from your eye, contact your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an infection or another eye problem that needs urgent attention. Also, if you notice any unusual or severe side effects from the medicine, or if you feel the medicine is not working as expected, do not hesitate to consult your ophthalmologist. Regular follow-up appointments with your eye doctor are essential to monitor your eye pressure and the overall health of your eyes while on Latanoprost treatment.

Frequently asked questions

What is Latanoprost used for?

Latanoprost eye drops are used to treat high pressure inside the eye, which occurs in conditions like primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It helps protect your vision by lowering this pressure.

How does Latanoprost work?

Latanoprost works by opening up an alternative drainage pathway in your eye, called the uveoscleral outflow. This allows the fluid inside your eye to drain out more easily, thereby reducing the pressure.

What are some common Indian brands of Latanoprost?

Some common Indian brands of Latanoprost eye drops include Xalatan, 9 PM, Latoprost, Ioprost, and Lacoma.

How should I use Latanoprost eye drops?

You should instil one drop of Latanoprost once every night in the affected eye or eyes. It is important to use it at night as prescribed and not to use more than one drop at a time.

Do I need a prescription for Latanoprost?

Yes, Latanoprost is a prescription eye medicine. You should only use it as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist.

What are the key precautions or side effects of Latanoprost?

Key precautions include using only one drop once nightly as directed. Common side effects can include darkening of the iris (eye colour), darkening of the eyelid skin, longer and thicker eyelashes, and some eye redness. Unopened bottles should be stored in the fridge; once opened, they can be kept at room temperature.

References

1. Latanoprost – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
2. Glaucoma – National Eye Institute
3. What Is Glaucoma? – American Academy of Ophthalmology
4. Glaucoma – MedlinePlus
5. Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization

---

Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.

This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.