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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Latanoprost Prescribed For The Eyes?

My Retina specialist has prescribed Latanoprost for my eyes - one drop each day at bedtime for each eye. I was under the impression this was for macular degeneration, but was also told I have glaucoma. Are they related? What advantage since he plans to give me an eye shot on YYYY@YYYY
Fri, 1 Sep 2017
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Ophthalmologist,  's  Response
Hello,welcome to HCM.
Macular degenaration and Glaucoma are two different conditions and both need to be treated to maintain functional vision.
Even if any Retina specialist focuses and works more at the deeper structures of your eye, when you walk in for an eye exam ,in a retina clinic the doctor always examine the overall status of your eyes which includes Vision,Intra ocular pressure(IOP),lens and so on.....before doing a retina exam.

In any patient, the intra ocular pressure has to be under a good control for a healthy Optic nerve(cranial nerve from the eye).When your doctor notices significant increase in IOP and changes in nerve structure( both together -Glaucoma),then he /she plans on starting the Glaucoma medications(In your case,Latanoprost).And since your doctor has planned on giving you injection soon for Macular degeneration,having a good IOP is crucial.When an injection in your eye there will be a transient increase in the pressure which will return to normal within 30-60 minutes,provided you IOP was under control before the procedure.

So,I think he is walking you through the right path.

Hope this answers your questions.Take care.
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Why Is Latanoprost Prescribed For The Eyes?

Hello,welcome to HCM. Macular degenaration and Glaucoma are two different conditions and both need to be treated to maintain functional vision. Even if any Retina specialist focuses and works more at the deeper structures of your eye, when you walk in for an eye exam ,in a retina clinic the doctor always examine the overall status of your eyes which includes Vision,Intra ocular pressure(IOP),lens and so on.....before doing a retina exam. In any patient, the intra ocular pressure has to be under a good control for a healthy Optic nerve(cranial nerve from the eye).When your doctor notices significant increase in IOP and changes in nerve structure( both together -Glaucoma),then he /she plans on starting the Glaucoma medications(In your case,Latanoprost).And since your doctor has planned on giving you injection soon for Macular degeneration,having a good IOP is crucial.When an injection in your eye there will be a transient increase in the pressure which will return to normal within 30-60 minutes,provided you IOP was under control before the procedure. So,I think he is walking you through the right path. Hope this answers your questions.Take care.