Travoprost is the generic name for a drug sold in the United States as Travatan and Travatan Z. It is used in the treatment of glaucoma and eye hypertension. Both of these conditions occur because too much intraocular (eye) pressure has built up because of too much fluid in the eyes. This pressure, according to the National Institutes of Health, can damage your optic nerve and result in blindness. Travoprost is administered as drops in your eyes. As with all medications, side effects might be experienced.
Pain
The use of travoprost as Travatan Z can cause some side effects. Most of these occur in your eyes where the medication is applied. You may, for example, experience pain when you take the single drop of the drug in each eye, but this only should occur for the first few days of use. Pain and other side effects of the medication---including discomfort in your eyes and a sensation that some debris is in your eyes---are categorized as non-serious side effects, the Mayo Clinic reports. Tell your doctor if you continue to feel pain or discomfort in your eyes beyond the initial stage of use of the medicine.
Ocular Hyperemia
Ocular hyperemia is more commonly known as "red eye" or redness of the eyes. RxList.com states that ocular hyperemia was the single most common side effect of taking drops of Travatan Z in clinical studies. Between 30 and 50 percent of patients in those studies said they experienced the condition. The condition, however, should be temporary and not bothersome as you continue treatment with the medicine.
Diminished Vision
Upon initial use of Travatan Z, your vision actually may decrease temporarily. You may not be able to see as clearly as you normally do, whether it is being able to focus on far or near objects. You also may see flares within your vision and suddenly become over-sensitive to light while first taking the drug. These temporary side effects are not considered serious and should disappear without treatment.
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