Glaucoma can cause damage to the optic nerve due to obstruction of aqueous fluid outflow and increase in eye pressure at the same time. The eye drops work by decreasing the eye pressure to treat glaucoma. It belongs to a class of medicines known as prostaglandin analogues. The medicine causes a higher amount of aqueous fluid to drain from the eyes and this helps relieve the pressure. Doctors generally recommend one drop daily of the eye drop into the eyes that are affected.
How does it work?
Careprost contains a synthetic analogue of the naturally found prostamide, which is known as bimatoprost. The latter is a prostaglandin-like chemical that causes some distinct actions to happen within the various body tissues.
The bimatoprost in the eye drop is joined to the same receptors in the eyes as prostamide. This helps to increase the flow of the eye fluid known as aqueous humour out of the eyes through a spongy tissue referred to as the trabecular network. As the flow of the fluid is balanced, the eye pressure also reduces. This, in turn, lessens the risk of optic nerve damage.
Careprost comprises the active ingredient, bimatoprost. It also contains other ingredients such as sodium monohydrate, phosphate dibasic, citric acid, sodium chloride, purified water and preservative benzalkonium chloride. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide may also be added to adjust the pH levels.
Careprost should not be used if an individual is:
- Allergic to bimatoprost or any ingredient of Careprost
- Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
- Wearing contact lenses
- Has liver, kidney or respiratory disease
Take care to use the solution exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger quantities and also use it for only as long as is advised by your doctor.
How to use the eye drops
Take your head back and pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket. Hold the dropper up and squeeze a drop into the eye. Close your eye and keep a finger on the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for some time to prevent the liquid from coming out of the eyes.
If you need to use one more drop, wait for 5 minutes before applying the next one. Also, wait for 5 minutes before you use any other drop. Do not use too much of the medication as it can make it less effective in reducing the eye pressure.
Remove your contact lenses while using the eye drops. The medication comprises a preservative that can be absorbed by the lenses. It is therefore recommended that you remove the lenses before using the medication.
Careprost side-effects
Some side effects of the eye drops are:
- Irritation
- Itchy sensation
- Redness visible in the eyes
- Dryness or watering that affects the eyes
- Pigmentation changes affecting the skin around the eyelids
One of the most serious side effects of the medication is conjunctival hyperemia, an eye condition that involves redness of the sclera.
Make sure to inform your doctor if there are any reactions after the usage of the medication. If you are experiencing severe pain or discharge from the eyes or any other serious reactions, it will need immediate treatments.
Careprost storage
It is recommended that you store Careprost eye drops in a cool and dry place that has temperatures below 25 degrees Celsius. Make sure to replace the cap of the bottle immediately after usage. This will help prevent contamination.
