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

When you hear Xalatan, a prescription eye drop used to treat high eye pressure in glaucoma. Also known as latanoprost, it works by helping fluid drain better from your eye, lowering the pressure that can damage your optic nerve over time. Unlike pills or injections, Xalatan is applied directly to the eye—once a day, usually at night. That simplicity is why millions still use it, even as newer drugs appear.

It’s part of a class called prostaglandin analogs, a group of eye drops that increase fluid outflow from the eye. These include Travatan, Lumigan, and Tafluprost. But Xalatan was one of the first, and it’s still widely prescribed because it’s effective, affordable, and well-tolerated. It doesn’t cause the dry eyes or burning that some other drops do. And unlike beta-blockers like Timolol, it doesn’t slow your heart rate or affect your breathing. That makes it safer for people with asthma or heart conditions.

But it’s not perfect. Some users notice their eyelashes growing longer and darker, or their iris color changing slightly over time—usually only in hazel or green eyes. These changes are permanent, but they’re rare and mostly cosmetic. More importantly, Xalatan doesn’t cure glaucoma. It only controls the pressure. If you stop using it, the pressure comes back. That’s why sticking to your daily dose matters more than you might think.

People often ask if there’s a cheaper version. Yes—generic latanoprost is just as effective and costs a fraction of the brand name. Many pharmacies, including online ones, offer it. But you still need a prescription. And not all online sellers are safe. Always check that the pharmacy is licensed and requires a valid prescription before buying.

What about combining it with other meds? Many glaucoma patients use Xalatan with other drops, like brimonidine or dorzolamide. Your doctor will tailor the mix based on your pressure levels and side effects. Some combinations work better together—others can cancel each other out. That’s why regular checkups with your eye doctor are key. You can’t feel high eye pressure, but it’s silently damaging your vision.

If you’ve been on Xalatan for a while, you might wonder if newer drugs are better. Some are—like Vyzulta or Rhopressa—that work differently and may offer extra benefits. But for most people, Xalatan still does the job. It’s reliable, easy to use, and backed by decades of real-world data. That’s why it’s still the go-to for so many doctors and patients.

Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve used Xalatan and similar treatments. You’ll see how it compares to other glaucoma drops, what side effects to watch for, how to save money on prescriptions, and what to do if your current treatment isn’t working. These aren’t ads or generic advice—they’re practical experiences from people managing the same condition you are.