Yes, Vyzulta Treats Glaucoma
Vyzulta (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution 0.024%) is a prescription eye drop approved by the FDA to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.[1] It works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye, reducing pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
How Vyzulta Lowers Eye Pressure
Unlike older prostaglandins like latanoprost (Xalatan), Vyzulta releases two active components: latanoprost acid and butanediol mononitrate. The latter breaks down into nitric oxide, enhancing uveoscleral outflow while the former boosts trabecular meshwork outflow. Clinical trials showed it reduces IOP by up to 9 mmHg, often more than timolol alone.[1][2]
Who Prescribes It and for What Patients
Ophthalmologists typically prescribe Vyzulta as a first-line monotherapy for adults with primary open-angle glaucoma—the most common form—or high eye pressure without vision loss. It's not for acute angle-closure glaucoma, where pressure rises suddenly and requires different interventions like laser therapy.[1]
Common Side Effects Patients Report
Eye redness (up to 20% of users), irritation, and eyelash growth occur most often. Less common are iris darkening or blurred vision. Patients with contacts should wait 15 minutes after dosing.[1][2] Long-term use may increase risks like macular edema in pseudophakic patients.
How It Compares to Other Glaucoma Drops
| Drug | Active Ingredient | IOP Reduction | Dosing | Key Difference |
|------|-------------------|---------------|--------|---------------|
| Vyzulta | Latanoprostene bunod | 7-9 mmHg | Once daily | Dual outflow mechanism; no preservative |
| Xalatan | Latanoprost | 6-8 mmHg | Once daily | Single outflow; more iris color change |
| Zioptan | Tafluprost | 6-8 mmHg | Once daily | Preservative-free; similar profile |
| Rocklatan | Netarsudil/latanoprost | 9-11 mmHg | Once daily | Combines Rho kinase inhibitor; higher redness risk[2] |
Vyzulta often outperforms prostaglandins alone but trails fixed combinations like Rocklatan.
Availability, Cost, and Patent Status
Vyzulta launched in 2018 from Bausch + Lomb. A 90-day supply costs $200-$300 with insurance or $400+ without, depending on pharmacy.[3] Patents expire around 2030, per DrugPatentWatch.com—check for generics or challenges there.[4] No biosimilars yet, as it's a small molecule.
Sources
[1] FDA Label: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/208818s000lbl.pdf
[2] Weinreb et al., Lancet (2016): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27567411/
[3] GoodRx pricing data
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/VYZULTA