TRAVATAN Z (TRAVOPROST)

Travatan Z Description

If you have been diagnosed with ocular hypertension or you already have open-angle glaucoma, your ophthalmologist may prescribe Travatan Z or generic Travoprost with Sofzia Preservative to lower the pressure in your eye before permanent vision loss occurs or worsens. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

This is a once a day eye drop that uses a newer preservative that induces less cytotoxicity to your ocular surface as well as helping to preserve the medication itself when being stored. Compared to other preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, Sofzia was found to cause less corneal changes and conjunctival inflammation.

Increase Drainage of Aqueous Humour to Lower Intraocular Pressure

As a prostaglandin analogue, Travatan Z works by mimicking the action of one of your natural body chemicals called prostaglandins. The prostaglandins in your eye increase the fluid drainage inside your eye out of your eyeball, this fluid is called aqueous humour. To do this, Travatan Z uses an area of tissue called the trabecular meshwork to drain the fluid. This action reduces the amount of fluid in your eyeball which releases the ocular pressure.

Conditions Treated by Travatan Z

Age, race, and family history can play a role in the risk of having ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Other reasons include medications, an imbalance in the production and drainage of the aqueous humour, or an eye injury. Glaucoma develops over years before you begin to notice any changes to your vision as there are no signs or symptoms that something is going on until the damage has been done by the build-up of pressure pressing on your optic nerve .

Regular eye exams are the only way to discover whether you have ocular hypertension and treatment can resolve this before any permanent damage is done to your optic nerve. It is usually your peripheral (side) vision that is affected first and may be difficult to detect in the beginning. Travatan Z may be recommended by your ophthalmologist when other medications have failed to effectively lower the pressure inside your eye.

Before Travatan Z is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about any risks of using Travatan Z while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss your medical history with your doctor and list any current OTC and Rx drugs you use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements, to determine if Travatan Z is safe for you.

Travatan Z Precautions and Proper Use

After instilling Travatan Z, wait before performing any task that involves needing to see clearly. It’s important to keep all eye appointments so your progress can be monitored. You may notice a change in the color of your iris in the treated eye, eyelashes may thicken, and eyelid skin may darken. These changes could be permanent. If you wear contacts, remove them before using Travatan Z drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Do not share any meds with others and always store safely out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Travatan Z

• Dry eye
• Bloodshot eyes
• Increased tear production