Latanoprost: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your eye pressure is too high, latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog used to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It's one of the most commonly prescribed eye drops for preventing vision loss from glaucoma. Unlike pills or injections, it works right where the problem starts — inside your eye. You use it once a day, usually at night, and it quietly lowers pressure by helping fluid drain better. Many people don’t even notice it’s working, but that’s the point: it stops damage before you feel it.

glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye doesn’t give warning signs until it’s too late. That’s why eye pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye that, when elevated, can harm the optic nerve monitoring matters so much. Latanoprost doesn’t cure glaucoma, but it’s one of the most effective tools doctors have to slow it down. It’s not a quick fix — you take it for years, sometimes for life. But if you stick with it, you’re protecting your sight. Side effects like red eyes or longer eyelashes are common, but they’re usually mild. Most people tolerate it better than older glaucoma drugs that caused dry mouth, fatigue, or breathing trouble.

It’s not the only option. Other prostaglandin analogs, a class of eye drops that work like latanoprost to increase fluid drainage from the eye include travoprost and bimatoprost. But latanoprost remains a top choice because of its simple dosing and strong track record. It’s often the first drug tried after lifestyle changes and basic monitoring. If it doesn’t lower pressure enough, doctors may add another drop — like a beta-blocker or a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor — or move to laser treatment. But for many, latanoprost alone is enough to keep vision stable for decades.

What you won’t find in the bottle is the real story: consistency beats perfection. Missing a dose now and then won’t ruin your vision — but doing it often might. That’s why the real challenge isn’t the science, it’s the habit. Keep your drops with your toothbrush. Set a phone alarm. If you forget, don’t double up — just go back to your regular schedule. Your eyes don’t need perfection. They need you showing up.

The posts below cover real-world experiences and science-backed facts about latanoprost and related treatments. You’ll find comparisons with other glaucoma meds, tips for managing side effects, what to do if your pressure doesn’t drop, and how lifestyle changes can support your treatment. Whether you’re just starting out or have been on it for years, there’s something here that applies to you.