Prostaglandins in ophthalmology

Abstract

Prostaglandins are widely used in medicine as active physiological agents that form a new class of drugs for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, some forms of bronchial asthma, as well as in gynecology and ophthalmology. Development of aseptic inflammation is an example of intracellular process, in which the produced prostaglandins are able to and do cause vasodilatation, increased vascular permeability, pain and fever. These effects of prostaglandins and leukotrienes characterize the classic picture of inflammation, including the aseptic one. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide therapeutic effect via inhibition of prostaglandin secretion. Prostaglandins play a special role in glaucoma treatment. Prostaglandin analogues are powerful agents that decrease IOP by 20-40% with a unique mechanism of action. Prostaglandin analogues have a well-balanced safety profile, which is why they are considered as a first line of therapy. However, patients with inflammatory diseases in anamnesis, such as uveitis, herpes, keratitis, as well as patients with planned cataract extraction should be careful when using prostaglandin analogues.