Travoprost ophthalmic solution is a topical medication used for controlling the progression of glaucoma

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder in which the optic nerve suffers damage, permanently damaging vision in the affected eye and progressing to complete blindness if untreated. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye...

 or ocular hypertension

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a cardiac chronic medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. What that means is that the heart is having to work harder than it should to pump the blood around the body. Blood pressure involves two measurements, systolic and...

, by reducing intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure

Intraocular pressure is the fluid pressure inside the eye. Tonometry is the method eye care professionals use to determine this. IOP is an important aspect in the evaluation of patients at risk from glaucoma...

. It is a synthetic prostaglandin analog

Prostaglandin analogue

Synthetic prostaglandin analogues are molecules which are manufactured to bind to a prostaglandin receptor.Wider use of prostaglandin analogues is limited by unwanted side effects and their abortive potential.-Uses:...

 (or more specifically, an analog

Functional analog

Functional analogs , are compounds that have similar physical, chemical, biochemical, or pharmacological properties. An example of a functional analog is morphine and heroin. Functional analogs are not necessarily also structural analogs with a similar chemical structure...

 of prostaglandin F_2α) that works by increasing the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eye

Human eye

The human eye is an organ which reacts to light for several purposes. As a conscious sense organ, the eye allows vision. Rod and cone cells in the retina allow conscious light perception and vision including color differentiation and the perception of depth...

s. It is also known by the brand names of Travatan and Travatan Z, manufactured by Alcon

Alcon

Alcon incorporated and with corporate headquarters, in Hünenberg, Switzerland, is a global medical company specializing in eye care products. Alcon's U.S. headquarters is located in Fort Worth, Texas...

, and Travo-Z, manufactured by Micro Labs.

Side effects

Possible side effects of this medication are:

• May cause blurred vision
• May cause eyelid redness
• May permanently darken eyelashes
• May cause eye discomfort
• May eventually cause permanent darkening of the iris
  Iris (anatomy)
  The iris is a thin, circular structure in the eye, responsible for controlling the diameter and size of the pupils and thus the amount of light reaching the retina. "Eye color" is the color of the iris, which can be green, blue, or brown. In some cases it can be hazel , grey, violet, or even pink...
  
   to brown (heterochromia
  Heterochromia
  In anatomy, heterochromia refers to a difference in coloration, usually of the iris but also of hair or skin. Heterochromia is a result of the relative excess or lack of melanin...
  
  )
• May cause a temporary burning sensation during use
• May cause thickening of the eyelashes
• May cause inflammation of the prostate gland
  Prostate
  The prostate is a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system in most mammals....
  
  , restricting urine flow (BPH
  Benign prostatic hyperplasia
  Benign prostatic hyperplasia also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy , benign enlargement of the prostate , and adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia, refers to the increase in size of the prostate....
  
  )