Travoprost for Glaucoma — August 2023 Archive
In August 2023 we published a hands-on guide for people starting travoprost. If you just got a prescription, that post walks you through the basics: how to put the drops in, when to take them, what side effects to expect, and simple safety tips to keep your eyes healthy while using this medication.
Here’s the quick, practical version you can use right away. Travoprost is usually prescribed as one drop in the affected eye(s) once a day. Most eye doctors recommend doing it in the evening because that timing often gives the best pressure control. Stick to the same time every day so you don’t forget.
How to apply travoprost drops
Wash your hands first. Tilt your head back, pull the lower eyelid down to make a small pocket, and hold the bottle tip close but not touching your eye. Squeeze one drop into the pocket. Close your eye for about one minute, and gently press the inner corner of the eye (the tear duct) with a finger to reduce drainage into your nose. If you need drops in both eyes, repeat the same steps for the other eye.
If you use other eye drops, wait at least five minutes between different drops so each one can absorb. Don’t touch the bottle tip to your eye or fingers; that can contaminate the solution. Keep the cap tightly closed and store the bottle as the label instructs.
What to expect, side effects, and safety
Common side effects are local: red or itchy eyes, a mild burning or stinging right after the drop, and sometimes increased eyelash growth or darker skin around the eye. A less common change is gradual darkening of the iris; that can be permanent. Serious reactions are rare, but call your doctor if you have eye pain, sudden vision changes, swelling, or signs of an allergic reaction.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one — don’t double up. Tell your doctor about all other eye medicines, contact lens use, pregnancy, or eye infections before starting travoprost. People with a history of eye inflammation or certain eye conditions should discuss risks and benefits with their eye care provider.
Follow-up matters. Your doctor will check your eye pressure and eye health regularly after you start travoprost. Keep those appointments. The full August post on PharmNet breaks the steps down with extra tips and answers common questions new users ask. If anything feels off, reach out to your eye doctor — taking the drops correctly and staying in touch with your clinician is the best way to protect your vision.
