Travoprost: What It Does, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

Travoprost is an eye drop used to lower pressure inside the eye. Doctors prescribe it for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension to reduce the risk of optic nerve damage. It’s a prostaglandin analogue that helps fluid leave the eye more easily, and most people use it once a day at night.

How it works and when you’ll see results

Travoprost increases uveoscleral outflow, which lowers intraocular pressure (IOP). Some pressure reduction starts within a few hours, but the full effect shows after two to four weeks. Regular eye checks matter: your eye doctor measures IOP and checks the optic nerve to see if the medicine is working.

How to use travoprost drops

Use the drops exactly as your doctor tells you. Wash your hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower lid to make a small pocket, and put one drop inside. Close your eye for a minute and press gently on the inner corner to limit drainage into the nose. If you wear contacts, take them out before using the drop and wait 15 minutes before putting them back. Missing one dose is better than doubling the next—just take the next dose at the usual time.

Side effects & precautions: Common side effects include eye redness, stinging, dry eyes, and increased eyelash length or thickness. More noticeable changes are darker iris color and skin darkening around the eye; these can be permanent. Serious but rare problems include eye pain, sudden vision changes, signs of infection, or swelling. Avoid travoprost if you have an active eye infection. Tell your doctor if you have a history of macular edema, uveitis, or recent eye surgery—some patients need closer monitoring.

Follow the storage instructions on your prescription; some formulations need refrigeration before opening while others can stay at room temperature. Once opened, many bottles are safe for a set number of weeks—check the leaflet. Don’t share eye drops. Use the bottle tip carefully to avoid touching your eye or lashes; contamination can cause infection.

Travoprost usually requires a prescription. When buying online, use licensed pharmacies, check for a valid prescription policy, and avoid suspiciously cheap offers. Look for clear contact information, pharmacist availability, and secure checkout. If the packaging looks tampered with or the drops cause severe irritation, stop use and contact your doctor.

Keep a log of your doses and eye pressure measurements if possible. Discuss any concerns with your eye doctor—small changes often mean an easy fix.

Interactions and special cases: Travoprost is an ophthalmic medication with minimal systemic interactions but tell your doctor about other eye meds. If you use multiple eye drops, wait five minutes between drops to avoid dilution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor before use. Kids and older adults may need dose checks. If you notice sudden swollen eyelids or trouble breathing, seek emergency care. Report long-term cosmetic changes like eyelash growth or skin darkening to your specialist promptly.