[A brief review of recent achievements concerning biochemistry and physiology of prostaglandins in the eye].

Two prostaglandin molecules have important physiological and pathophysiological role in the tissues of the eye. Prostaglandin F2 alpha takes part in mediating intraocular pressure, prostaglandin E2 is the mediator of inflammation. In case of increased intraocular pressure, latanoprost a derivative of prostaglandin F2 alpha can be applied. Numerous data are available on the favourable intraocular pressure lowering effect of latanoprost. It can be applied as a single hypotensive or it can be combined with eye-drops currently used in glaucoma. It exerts its therapeutic effect by increasing uveoscleral outflow. Inflammation in the eye can be diminished by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs similarly to inflammations in other tissues of the organism. Literature on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is enormous. Molecules of different structures inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. Primarily they are useful anti-inflammatory agents, reduce intraocular pressure in secundary glaucoma, inhibit intraocular miosis and prevent development of cystoid macula oedema. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not exert their effects on prostaglandins themselves, but inhibit their synthesis. Hence the use of both, latanoprost and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs simultaneously, improves safety of therapy in case of patients prone to uveitis.