Vyzulta Eye Drops Information for Glaucoma and High Eye Pressure

About Vyzulta Ophthalmic Solution (Uses & Safety)

Vyzulta is an ophthalmic prescription eye drop used to lower high eye pressure. It contains latanoprostene bunod, a nitric oxide–donating prostaglandin analog. The medicine is intended for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Lowering intraocular pressure can help reduce the risk of optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

The active molecule is a dual-action prodrug. After instillation, it converts to latanoprost acid and butanediol mononitrate. Latanoprost acid increases uveoscleral outflow by activating prostaglandin FP receptors. The nitric oxide donor increases trabecular outflow by relaxing the trabecular meshwork. This complementary pharmacology aims to enhance overall aqueous humor outflow.

Indications include long-term management of elevated intraocular pressure in adults. The product is not known to treat acute angle-closure events. It is not a cure for glaucoma, but it may slow disease progression by lowering pressure. Treatment selection should consider diagnosis, baseline pressure, optic nerve status, and tolerability history.

This page is informational and non-promotional. It does not provide instructions on how or when to administer the drops. Always follow the patient information leaflet and your clinician’s guidance for safe use. If you have questions about suitability, discuss them with an eye care professional.

Some patients ask about ingredient concentration and formulation. The labeled strength is an ophthalmic solution containing latanoprostene bunod 0.024%. Excipients and preservatives are listed in the prescribing information. People with known hypersensitivity to any component should not use this product. Refer to the official label for full composition details.

For people comparing therapy options by condition, see our open-angle glaucoma product list for available treatments that target intraocular pressure.

Benefits & Considerations

Therapy benefits come from its dual pathway design. Latanoprost acid increases uveoscleral outflow, a typical effect of prostaglandin analogs. Nitric oxide donation enhances outflow through the conventional trabecular pathway. Together, these mechanisms can produce a meaningful ocular hypotensive effect in many adults.

Understanding the Vyzulta mechanism of action can help set expectations. Outflow enhancement may be seen across both key pathways. This differs from some agents that primarily affect one route. Clinical trials reported pressure reductions compared with baseline in studied populations. Individual responses vary, and monitoring remains essential.

Potential advantages include once-daily convenience, class familiarity, and broad use experience with prostaglandin analogs. Potential drawbacks include ocular redness, irritation, and cosmetic effects such as lash changes and periocular skin darkening. Rare events include macular edema or intraocular inflammation, particularly in susceptible eyes. Consider prior history of uveitis, aphakia, or complicated lens surgery when evaluating risk.

Medication selection should also consider lifestyle and adherence factors. Some people prefer single-agent therapy before adding adjunctive drops. Others may need combination regimens to reach target pressures. If response is insufficient, clinicians may adjust therapy or consider add-on agents from other classes. Always weigh benefits against tolerability and ocular surface health.

Certain populations warrant special caution. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Discuss potential fetal or infant risks with a clinician. People with severe dry eye or ocular surface disease may react to preservatives. Preservative-free options in the same class exist and can be discussed with an eye care provider.

Labels also describe warnings and precautions. These include gradual increase in brown iris pigmentation, eyelash growth, and periorbital skin darkening. Pigmentation changes may be permanent. Counsel patients about asymmetry if treating one eye only. Cosmetic effects do not indicate harm, but they may be noticeable and important to some users.

Monitoring & Practical Handling

Regular follow-up is important. Eye care providers typically measure intraocular pressure and evaluate the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer. Visual fields and optical coherence tomography help track progression. Visit timing depends on baseline risk, pressure control, and rate of change. Report any new eye pain, vision changes, or severe redness promptly.

Commonly discussed Vyzulta side effects include conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, stinging, and foreign body sensation. Some users notice increased eyelash length and thickness over time. Eyelid skin may darken in the treated eye area. Less frequent reactions include corneal changes, uveitis, or cystoid macular edema. People with risk factors for macular edema should be assessed before and during therapy.

Handling practices aim to keep the bottle sterile. Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye, fingers, or any surface. Replace the cap after each use. If you use contact lenses, discuss lens handling with your clinician. Some preservatives can be absorbed by soft lenses. Many clinicians advise removing lenses before instillation and waiting before reinsertion; your prescriber will provide specific guidance.

Storage should follow the label and carton. Keep the bottle closed when not in use. Protect from contamination and excessive light. Read the product packaging for storage instructions and expiration details. Do not use the solution if it changes color, becomes cloudy, or shows particles.

Concomitant therapy is common in glaucoma care. If using multiple topical agents, a separation interval between products is usually recommended. Your clinician will advise on timing to minimize washout. Always inform your provider about all eye drops and systemic medications. This helps them assess potential drug interactions and overlapping adverse effects.

Patients sometimes ask about missed dose guidance. Because individual plans differ, rely on your clinician’s instructions or the patient information leaflet. Do not change your regimen without medical advice. Consistent use supports steady intraocular pressure control. Keep a medication log or reminder system if adherence is challenging.

Ask your clinician about onset and duration of effect in the context of your regimen. Ocular response can vary between individuals. Factors include baseline pressure, disease severity, and ocular surface status. Your care plan should reflect real-world measurements taken in clinic.

Compare & Related

Prostaglandin analogs are widely used first-line. Within the class, bimatoprost, travoprost, tafluprost, and latanoprost are common alternatives. The nitric oxide donation in latanoprostene bunod distinguishes it mechanistically. Some people respond better to one agent than another due to pharmacology or tolerability differences.

Many clinicians weigh Vyzulta vs latanoprost when choosing an initial prostaglandin analog. Latanoprost is a class mainstay with extensive use history. Nitric oxide–mediated trabecular effects may be relevant if added outflow through this pathway is desired. Final selection depends on clinical response and side effect profile.

Comparisons with bimatoprost and travoprost also occur in practice. Bimatoprost is known for robust pressure lowering in many patients. Travoprost offers an alternative prostaglandin analog profile and different preservative options. Preservative-free tafluprost is sometimes considered for sensitive ocular surfaces. Discuss differences in efficacy, tolerability, and ocular surface impact with your eye care provider.

Adjunctive classes include beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha agonists, and Rho kinase inhibitors. Timolol reduces aqueous production and may complement outflow agents. Dorzolamide and brinzolamide represent carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Brimonidine is an alpha agonist that both reduces production and increases uveoscleral outflow. Netarsudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, can lower pressure by affecting trabecular outflow and episcleral venous pressure. Combination drops may simplify regimens and improve adherence.

• Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution product page for a class-standard prostaglandin analog comparator.
• Xalatan Ophthalmic Solution brand reference page for branded latanoprost details.
• Lumigan Ophthalmic Solution product page for bimatoprost as another prostaglandin analog option.
• Travatan Z Ophthalmic Solution product page for travoprost with a different preservative system.
• Tafluprost Ophthalmic Solution product page for a preservative-free prostaglandin analog.
• Rocklatan Ophthalmic Solution product page for a netarsudil plus latanoprost fixed-dose combination.
• Rhopressa Ophthalmic Solution product page for netarsudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor adjunct.
• Timolol Ophthalmic Solution product page for a beta-blocker often used as add-on therapy.
• Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution product page for a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor option.
• Cosopt Ophthalmic Solution product page for a dorzolamide plus timolol fixed combination.
• Combigan Ophthalmic Solution product page for brimonidine plus timolol as a combination therapy.
• Open-Angle Glaucoma condition-aligned product list for therapies used to manage high eye pressure.

When comparing options, consider your ocular surface status and cosmetic preferences. Iris pigmentation change risk is class-associated. Eyelash growth and periocular skin darkening can occur with prostaglandin analogs. If these effects are unacceptable, discuss alternatives or preservative-free formulations. Your clinician may trial a different agent or adjust adjunctive therapy.

If additional pressure lowering is needed, combination products or multi-class regimens may help. Some combinations reduce bottle burden, which can support adherence. Weigh the benefits against cumulative side effects and potential corneal toxicity from preservatives. In some cases, procedural treatments may also be considered by your ophthalmologist.

Authoritative Sources

For comprehensive label content, consult the official prescribing information and medication guide. These resources detail indications, contraindications, warnings, adverse reactions, and storage statements. You can also review pivotal Vyzulta clinical trials results reported to regulators for objective evidence summaries.

• U.S. FDA Label for Vyzulta (latanoprostene bunod) for full prescribing information including contraindications and safety sections.
• Manufacturer Prescribing Information (Bausch + Lomb) for the most current product-specific guidance and patient information leaflet.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Glaucoma Medications Overview for class context and treatment considerations.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.