Key takeaways
Travoprost (Travatan Z) and Combigan (brimonidine/timolol) are both used to lower eye pressure in conditions like glaucoma and high eye pressure, but they work differently. Travoprost is a prostaglandin eye drop that helps fluid drain from the eye, and you only need to apply it once a day at night. In contrast, Combigan combines an alpha agonist (brimonidine) and a beta blocker (timolol) to reduce fluid production and improve fluid flow, requiring application twice a day. Travoprost can cause eye redness and potentially permanent changes in eye color, whereas Combigan can cause low blood pressure and is not recommended if you have asthma, COPD, or heart issues. Both medications require you to remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Additionally, travoprost and Combigan are both available as a lower-cost generics.
