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Treatments

Glaucoma Information — Frequently Asked Questions



What is glaucoma?
The term “glaucoma” refers to a group of eye diseases that, if left untreated, can lead to permanent blindness. In fact, it is the number one cause of blindness in African-Americans, and the second leading cause of blindness overall in the United States. See the “What is Glaucoma?” section of this web site for additional information.
What causes glaucoma?
There is no way to pinpoint the exact cause of glaucoma. However, the rise in eye pressure (IOP) occurs when the eye is unable to properly drain aqueous humor, the fluid circulating inside the eye. The inability of the eye to drain this fluid can be attributed to a blockage or closure of the trabecular meshwork drainage system, and trauma or scarring from other eye diseases or surgeries. As pressure builds, the optic nerve is damaged, causing vision loss.
Is there a cure for glaucoma?
There is currently no known cure for glaucoma, but it is treatable, especially with early diagnosis. Once a person is diagnosed, he or she must be treated for life.
Are there symptoms that warn of glaucoma?
With primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common type, there are virtually no symptoms. There is usually no pain involved with the elevation of eye pressure. Loss of vision begins with peripheral (side) vision and is usually not noticed until a significant loss has occurred. The best way to protect vision from glaucoma is to be tested early and often. Have regular eye exams, request testing for glaucoma, and if diagnosed, begin treatment immediately.
What are acceptable eye pressures?
Normal intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered to be 10 to 20 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). IOP of 20 mm Hg or above may be considered an elevated IOP11 Shields MB et al. Shields' Textbook of Glaucoma, 5th edition, 2004. . However, many people with IOP in the low 20s go through life with no problems. If an individual has been diagnosed with glaucoma, the acceptable intraocular pressure level is that at which no further progression of visual loss occurs.
If I have glaucoma, will I become blind?
The chances are good that you will not go blind if you are diagnosed early, take your IOP-lowering medication correctly and regularly, and follow up with your eye doctor. Treatment significantly slows the damage that occurs to the optic nerve because of the high pressure in the eye. In fact, if you apply your eye drops on schedule each day, you may keep your eyesight for the rest of your life!
Is glaucoma preventable?
There is nothing definite that will prevent a person from developing glaucoma, but it can be slowed with early treatment. Therefore, it is very important to have regular eye examinations. The doctor should perform a series of tests, eye pressure measurements, dilated eye exams, and sometimes visual field testing to check for any changes in the eye or vision.

With early detection, glaucoma can often be controlled with medications, usually eye drops. If the glaucoma doesn't respond to medication, the eye doctor may also recommend surgery. About half of people suffering from glaucoma don't know they have it. Doctors cannot reverse damage from glaucoma. So the best protection is to have regular eye exams either once a year or on a schedule recommended by the eye doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
  • What is glaucoma and do I have any risk factors?
  • What is my current intraocular pressure (IOP)?
  • How often should I have a comprehensive eye examination?
  • How does glaucoma affect my vision?
  • What is the best treatment option for my glaucoma and why?
  • Is TRAVATAN Z® Solution right for me?
Print Questions to Ask Your Doctor to take with you to your next doctor's visit. This form provides space for you to record your doctor's answers to the above questions.
  1. Shields MB et al. Shields' Textbook of Glaucoma, 5th edition, 2004.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

INDICATION
TRAVATAN Z® Solution is a prescription medicine to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma who have trouble tolerating their current medicine or for whom that medication is not working well enough.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Contraindications:
Do not use TRAVATAN Z® Solution if you are hypersensitive to travoprost or any other ingredients in this product.
Precautions and Warnings:
Some patients may experience darkening of the iris (the colored part of the eye) which is most noticeable in patients who only receive treatment in one eye. Patients may also experience growth and thickening of their eyelashes, and/or darkening of the skin around the eye. These changes may be permanent.
Side Effects:
The most common side effect with TRAVATAN Z® Solution is redness of the eye (also known as ocular hyperemia). Other side effects include eye discomfort, a feeling of something in the eye, eye pain and itching.

For more information, please see the full prescribing information