GLAUCOMA DROPS: PROSTAGLANDINS

written by Dr. William McSwain

LUMIGAN (Bimatoprost)
TRAVATAN (Travoprost)
VYZULTA (Latanoprostene Bunod)
XALATAN (Latanoprost)
ZIOPTAN (Tafluprost; PRESERVATIVE FREE)
 
These drops work primarily by improving the outflow of fluid from inside the eye. A major advantage of these medicines is that they are once-a-day and are used primarily at bedtime so that any side effects may be reduced.

SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

There may be some stinging in the eye when these drops are first taken. The most common reactions are blurred vision, redness, foreign body sensation, itching, excessive eyelash growth, decreased vision, retinal swelling, darkening of the eyelids, changes in the appearance of the eyelids, orbital fat atrophy, and increased iris pigmentation. They are known to cause a permanent darkening of the iris (colored part of the eye), especially in those patients who have blue, hazel, or green eyes which may be cosmetically unacceptable. They should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing.

MINIMIZING THE RISK OF SIDE EFFECTS:

After administering a drop, keep the eye closed for two minutes and gently compress (with a tissue, if desired) the area over the tear duct near the inner corner of the eyelids. This will make the medication less likely to get into the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body by preventing it from draining from your eye into your nose and the back of your throat.
 
 
DOSAGE: 1 x daily at bedtime