Latanoprost: A new approach to the treatment of glaucoma

The therapeutic objective in treating glaucoma is achieving a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), the primary modifiable risk factor for this condition. Although prostaglandins have been shown to be effective in lowering IOP, frequent side effects have previously limited their utility. Latanoprost (Xalatan(TM)), a new topical prostaglandin F₂α derivative with a significantly improved side-effect profile, reduces IOP through a unique mechanism of action. While other therapies inhibit production of aqueous humor or increase trabecular outflow, this agent appears to increase aqueous outflow by augmenting the natural uveoscleral outflow facility from the eye. Administered once a day, latanoprost is as effective in reducing IOP as therapy with timolol maleate twice daily while potentially improving patient compliance, a major concern in glaucoma treatment.