The pros and cons of different prostanoids in the medical management of glaucoma.

The prostaglandin analogs are new exciting drugs added to the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with glaucoma. Several studies have evaluated the ocular hypotensive properties and side effects of latanoprost in different forms of glaucoma. This drug, seems to be the most effective intraocular pressure (IOP)-reducing agent currently available, and has a low incidence of ocular and systemic side effects. Fewer data are available regarding unoprostone, but the IOP-reducing effect of this drug seems to be comparable or slightly inferior to that of timolol and it produces fewer side effects. When compared with unoprostone, latanoprost has been shown to effect a greater reduction in IOP. A major drawback to the use of prostaglandin analogues is the lack of long-term experience such as that currently available for other classes of agents.