Xalatan Eye Drops treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases such as ocular hypertension. It is similar to a natural chemical in the body (prostaglandin) and works by regulating the flow of fluid within the eye, which results in lower pressure. Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent blindness.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use Xalatan exactly as directed. Usually, one drop is applied to the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening.

To apply the Xalatan Eye Drops, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
• Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as close to your eyelid as possible without touching it.
• With your other hand's index finger, pull the eye's lower lid to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2 to 3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.

Before taking Xalatan Eye Drops, tell your doctor if you have the following:

• If you are allergic to Xalatan or benzalkonium chloride.
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant,
• If you are breast-feeding
• Swelling or an infection in your eye;
• Herpes infection of the eyes;
• Retinal detachment, or
• Eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Xalatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. 

Xalatan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Xalatan Eye Drops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Stinging, burning, itching, watering, or swelling of the eye
• Redness of the eyelids
• Irritation
• Dry eyes

Xalatan Eye Drops may increase the brown pigmentation in your iris, changing your eye color to brown. The pigmentation changes may be more noticeable in patients with brown eye coloring. Xalatan Eye Drops may also cause your eyelashes to grow longer, thicker, and darken in color. These changes usually occur slowly, but they may be permanent. If you use Xalatan in only one eye, you should know there may be a difference. Call your doctor if you notice these changes.

Why is Xalatan Eye Drops prescribed?

Xalatan is classified as an ophthalmic glaucoma agent and lowers pressure inside the eye by increasing fluid draining from the eye.

Can Xalatan Eye Drops cure glucoma?

Xalatan Eye Drops control glaucoma but does not cure it. Continue to use Xalatan Eye Drops even if you feel well.

Can you wear contacts while on Xalatan Eye Drops?

Do not use Xalatan Eye Drops while wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait 15 minutes after using Xalatan before putting on your contact lenses.

What side effects can Xalatan Eye Drops cause?

Common Xalatan Eye drops side effects may include:

• Watery eyes,
• Itchy eyes,
• Puffy eyelids,
• Stinging, burning, or redness of the eyes, and,
• Blurred vision.