Protective aura surrounding a healthy eye, symbolizing glaucoma treatment success

BAK-Free Travoprost: Can It Really Protect Your Vision for 3 Years?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals the effectiveness of BAK-free travoprost in managing normal tension glaucoma and preserving vision over the long term."

Glaucoma, a condition often linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), poses a significant threat to vision. However, normal tension glaucoma (NTG) presents a unique challenge, as it damages the optic nerve despite IOP being within the normal range. Managing NTG effectively requires treatments that not only lower IOP but also safeguard visual field performance over extended periods.

Eye drops, particularly prostaglandin analogs, are frequently the first line of defense due to their convenience and IOP-lowering capabilities. Yet, these medications can have drawbacks, notably the adverse effects of benzalkonium (BAK), a common preservative, on the eye's surface. This has spurred the development of BAK-free alternatives, such as travoprost, aiming to minimize surface-level damage without compromising efficacy.

This article explores the findings of a 3-year study assessing the impact of BAK-free travoprost monotherapy on patients with NTG. By evaluating changes in IOP and visual field performance, it sheds light on the potential of this treatment to offer sustained benefits while mitigating the risks associated with BAK.

Does BAK-Free Travoprost Really Work for Glaucoma?

Protective aura surrounding a healthy eye, symbolizing glaucoma treatment success

A study published in Clinical Ophthalmology (2012) followed 76 patients with normal tension glaucoma over three years to assess the long-term effects of BAK-free travoprost on intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual field performance. During the study, the participants' IOP was monitored every 1-3 months, and visual field tests were conducted every six months to track any changes.

The study revealed compelling data on the effectiveness of BAK-free travoprost:

Significant IOP Reduction: After three years, the average IOP significantly decreased from 16.8 ± 2.6 mmHg to 14.1 ± 2.4 mmHg (P < 0.0001).
Visual Field Stability: The Humphrey visual field test showed no significant changes in mean deviation and pattern standard deviation after three years.
Visual Field Progression: Trend analysis indicated visual field worsening in 2.8% of patients, while event analysis showed worsening in 13.9%.
Tolerability: About 7.9% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.

These results suggest that BAK-free travoprost effectively reduces IOP over three years; however, a small percentage of patients experienced visual field deterioration. This highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and personalized treatment approaches.

The Future of Glaucoma Treatment: What Does This Mean for You?

The study confirms that BAK-free travoprost is effective in lowering IOP for at least three years. This is particularly encouraging for individuals sensitive to BAK, offering a viable alternative without compromising efficacy. For younger patients, the long-term tolerability and reduced risk of surface damage are especially valuable.

Despite the promising results, the visual field performance outcomes underscore the complexity of glaucoma management. While the majority of patients maintained stable visual fields, a subset experienced deterioration. Regular monitoring and tailored treatment plans remain essential to address individual progression patterns.

As research continues to refine glaucoma treatments, BAK-free travoprost stands out as a significant advancement, providing a safer and more comfortable option for many. Discuss with your ophthalmologist whether BAK-free travoprost is suitable for your condition and how it can be integrated into a comprehensive management strategy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/opth.s33816, Alternate LINK

Title: Effects Of Bak-Free Travoprost Treatment For 3 Years In Patients With Normal Tension Glaucoma

Subject: Ophthalmology

Journal: Clinical Ophthalmology

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Kenji Inoue, Goji Tomita, Masato Wakakura, Mieko Masumoto

Published: 2012-08-01

Related Articles

Everything You Need To Know

1

What exactly is BAK-free travoprost?

BAK-free travoprost is a medication used to treat normal tension glaucoma (NTG). It works by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the pressure inside the eye. This specific formulation does not contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative commonly found in eye drops that can cause surface-level damage to the eye. The study confirms its efficacy in lowering IOP, which is a critical factor in managing glaucoma.

2

Why is normal tension glaucoma (NTG) important in this context?

Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a form of glaucoma where the optic nerve is damaged, leading to vision loss, even when intraocular pressure (IOP) is within the normal range. This makes it challenging to manage because it requires treatments that protect the visual field. The study's findings on BAK-free travoprost are particularly relevant to NTG patients, as the treatment addresses IOP while minimizing the adverse effects often associated with glaucoma medications.

3

What were the key findings of the study on BAK-free travoprost?

The study indicates that BAK-free travoprost effectively reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) over a three-year period. The average IOP decreased significantly from 16.8 mmHg to 14.1 mmHg. Additionally, the study monitored visual field performance using Humphrey visual field tests. While most patients experienced stable visual fields, a small percentage showed some worsening. The findings suggest that BAK-free travoprost offers a sustained benefit in lowering IOP, which is critical for glaucoma management.

4

What is the significance of benzalkonium (BAK) in relation to this treatment?

Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a preservative commonly found in eye drops. It can cause surface-level damage to the eye, leading to irritation, dryness, and other adverse effects. BAK-free travoprost is an alternative that minimizes these risks, making it a suitable option for individuals sensitive to BAK. It is particularly beneficial for long-term use, as it reduces the potential for ocular surface damage.

5

What does this study mean for the future of glaucoma treatment?

The study's findings have several implications. First, BAK-free travoprost provides an effective treatment option for normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). Second, the absence of benzalkonium (BAK) makes it a safer choice, especially for those sensitive to preservatives. Third, although most patients showed stable visual fields, the study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and personalized treatment plans to address any visual field progression. This is particularly important for younger patients who may be on long-term medication.