Xalatan eyedrops for pseudoexfoliation high pressure

Been on Xalatan for eye pressure in my left eye of 32 for a week, no glaucoma yet, but a "suspect" w/pseudoexfoliation diagnosis.  My left eye is irritated and itchy.  Really want to stay on these drops as I don't want laser surgery this soon as I am only 63.  Is there something I can use to help the irritation?  Will it diminish with time on the drops, and what is the success rate with these drops and pseudoexfoliation.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Xalatan is an excellent drop but causes redness and irritation, long dark lashes and often dark circles under the eyes.  Side effects (other than the lashes and dark circles) usually improve over the next few weeks.  Use artifical tears like gental or thera tears every few hours and at bedtime to help the symptoms.  Try to take the Xalatan about 30 minutes before bedtime and tear drops at bedtime.  It may not be able to lower your pressure enough on its own and you may need a second drop or even laser treatment to help get the pressure low enough.  It generally is very effective in about 85% of people with a typical effect of 20-25% reduction or so - but that again may not be enough.

MJK MD