Topical Prostaglandin Analog for Glaucoma

Travatan Z (travoprost) is a prostaglandin analog eye drop used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It works by increasing uveoscleral outflow of fluid from the eye, reducing the pressure that damages the optic nerve. Travatan Z is applied once daily, usually in the evening. It’s a topical medication with minimal systemic absorption—the drug works locally in the eye with very little entering the bloodstream.

Underwriters care about whether your glaucoma is controlled and whether you have vision loss. A person on Travatan Z with well-controlled eye pressure and no visual field damage? Insurance concern is minimal. A person on Travatan Z with poorly controlled eye pressure or significant vision loss? That’s what affects underwriting. The eye drops are just the tool. Disease control is what matters.

The Honest Truth About Glaucoma and Life Insurance

Glaucoma itself doesn’t kill you. It can cause blindness if untreated, but most people with glaucoma never lose functional vision if they take their medications consistently. From a life insurance perspective, glaucoma is a manageable chronic eye disease. The insurance concern isn’t the disease itself—it’s whether you’re compliant with treatment and whether you’ve experienced vision loss that might affect safety or quality of life.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Most common form. IOP is elevated, but the drainage angle of the eye appears normal. Usually develops slowly, often asymptomatic. Very manageable with medication. Insurance concern: minimal, if controlled.

Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Drainage angle is blocked, causing rapid IOP elevation. Medical emergency if acute. But once treated (surgically or medically), it becomes manageable like open-angle. Insurance concern depends on whether you’ve had acute episodes and whether current pressure is controlled.

Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by other eye diseases (uveitis, trauma, etc.) or conditions (diabetes, steroid use). Underwriters evaluate both the glaucoma and the underlying cause. Insurance concern depends on underlying disease severity.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal-range eye pressure. Less common. Underwriters investigate more carefully because disease control is harder to assess. But if pressure is stable and vision is stable, it is manageable.

1. Current Intraocular Pressure (IOP)

What’s your current eye pressure on medication? Is it at Target? Target pressure is individualized—it depends on baseline pressure, optic nerve damage, and patient-specific factors. If your IOP is consistently at or below your ophthalmologist’s target, excellent. If pressures are running high despite Travatan Z, that’s a concern suggesting inadequate disease control.

2. Visual Field Status

Have you had visual field testing (perimetry)? What does it show? Stable visual fields: great. Progressive visual field loss despite treatment: concern. Significant visual field loss affecting quality of life: affects underwriting more substantially. Most controlled glaucoma patients have stable visual fields.

3. Optic Nerve Appearance

Ophthalmologists assess optic nerve health by examining the optic disc. Is the disc appearance stable or showing progression? Photography and imaging (OCT) track disc changes. Stable optic nerve appearance despite glaucoma: a good sign. Progressive disc cupping: concerning.

4. Medication Compliance

Are you taking Travatan Z consistently as prescribed? Poor compliance is a red flag—it suggests you may not remain compliant with treatment long-term, risking disease progression. Consistent use demonstrates understanding of disease severity and commitment to control.

5. Disease Severity/Stage

Early-stage glaucoma with minimal optic nerve damage: low risk. Late-stage glaucoma with significant optic nerve damage or vision loss: higher risk. But even advanced glaucoma, if controlled, is manageable for insurance purposes.

6. Time Since Diagnosis

Have you had glaucoma for 5 years with stable control, or just diagnosed 6 months ago? Longer disease duration with stability demonstrates your ability to manage it long-term. A recent diagnosis is less concerning if control is good, but less time to assess stability.

7. Underlying Causes (if secondary glaucoma)

If your glaucoma is secondary to another condition (diabetes, uveitis, steroid use, eye trauma), underwriters evaluate that underlying condition too. The underlying disease may affect insurance more than the glaucoma itself.

Prescription Information

When you started Travatan Z, the current dose, and the current use status. Automatically verified from prescription records.

Your Ophthalmologist’s Glaucoma Assessment

A statement confirming: diagnosis (open-angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, etc.), current IOP on treatment, whether visual fields/optic nerve are stable, and prognosis. Example: “Ms. X has open-angle glaucoma, well-controlled on Travatan Z with IOP ranging 14-18 mmHg (target: <18). Visual fields are stable on the most recent testing. Prognosis is good with continued medication compliance.”

Recent Visual Field Test Results

Most recent perimetry/VF test showing stable or improved fields (or if progressive, showing rate of change). This demonstrates disease stability.

Functional Vision Status

How is your actual vision functioning? Can you drive safely? Read comfortably? Are visual symptoms stable? “Vision stable at 20/20 in both eyes” is excellent. “Peripheral vision loss on the left affecting driving” needs to be mentioned.

Any Underlying Conditions (if applicable)

If your glaucoma is secondary to diabetes, uveitis, trauma, or steroid use, include that information and its status.

Emphasize IOP Control

“My eye pressure is well-controlled on Travatan Z, consistently between [X-Y] mmHg, at or below my ophthalmologist’s target.” This demonstrates successful disease management.

Highlight Stable Vision

“My most recent visual field testing shows stable results; no new vision loss.” This is exactly what underwriters want to hear—disease stability.

Demonstrate Medication Compliance

“I take Travatan Z consistently every evening as prescribed.” Compliance demonstrates commitment to disease management and lowers recurrence risk.

Get Ophthalmologist Confirmation

Request a brief letter from your eye doctor confirming glaucoma diagnosis, control status, and prognosis. This is protective documentation.

Be Transparent About Vision Loss (if present)

If you have glaucomatous vision loss, disclose it. “I have peripheral vision loss from glaucoma, but visual function is stable and does not affect driving or daily activities.” Transparency prevents surprises.

Well-Controlled Glaucoma, No Vision Loss

Rate Impact: None. Standard rates apply. Example: A 55-year-old on Travatan Z with well-controlled IOP and stable visual fields receives the exact same rate as someone without glaucoma.

Well-Controlled Glaucoma With Mild Vision Loss

Rate Impact: Minimal (0-10% above standard). If glaucoma has caused some peripheral vision loss but is now stable and does not affect function, the rate increase reflects mild functional impact, not the disease or medication itself.

Inadequately Controlled Glaucoma or Progressive Disease

Rate Impact: Moderate to significant (10-50%+ above standard). If your IOP is running above target despite Travatan Z, or if you’re experiencing progressive vision loss, rates reflect inadequate disease control and a higher risk of vision loss or complications.

Significant Vision Loss From Glaucoma

Rate Impact: Moderate to significant (15-50%+ above standard). Substantial vision loss affects quality of life and safety, increasing insurance risk. But even significant glaucomatous vision loss, if stable, does not result in automatic decline.

1. Disclose Travatan Z and Glaucoma Diagnosis

When asked about current medications and health conditions, include both. Don’t hide glaucoma—it will show up in medical records anyway. Transparency builds trust.

2. Lead With Control and Stability

“I have glaucoma that is well-controlled on Travatan Z. My most recent IOP measurements are [X-Y] mmHg, at my ophthalmologist’s target. Visual fields are stable.” This is your opening narrative—control and stability.

3. Get Recent Testing

Schedule a routine eye appointment before applying. Get current IOP readings and recent visual field results if they’re not recent. Fresh data showing control is powerful underwriting documentation.

4. Request Ophthalmologist Confirmation Letter

Ask your eye doctor for a brief letter: “Ms. X has open-angle glaucoma well-controlled on Travatan Z with target IOP achieved. Visual fields are stable. Prognosis is good with continued treatment compliance.” This takes minimal time and provides strong documentation.

5. Apply With Standard Carriers

You don’t need specialty insurance. Glaucoma users apply with standard carriers. No special underwriting required unless you have serious vision loss or other health complications.

6. Timing Doesn’t Matter

Whether you were just diagnosed or have had glaucoma for 10 years, you can apply anytime. The key is disease control status, not duration. Apply now if control is good.

Will glaucoma result in a rate increase?

Direct answer: Not if it’s well-controlled with no vision loss.

Well-controlled glaucoma results in standard rates. If you have vision loss or inadequately controlled IOP, rates may be slightly higher, but glaucoma itself doesn’t create significant rate increases.

Will I be declined because of glaucoma?

Direct answer: No. Glaucoma doesn’t result in decline.

Glaucoma alone doesn’t disqualify you. Even if you have vision loss from glaucoma, you can still be approved. The concern is only if glaucoma is so advanced and uncontrolled that life expectancy is affected or safety is compromised, which is rare in people taking medications.

What if I have vision loss from glaucoma?

Direct answer: You can still be approved, but vision loss affects underwriting.

Vision loss is noted and evaluated for its functional impact. If your vision loss is stable and doesn’t significantly affect driving or daily activities, the rate impact is modest. If vision loss is severe or progressive, rates may be higher. But significant vision loss doesn’t result in automatic decline.

What if my eye pressure is not at the target on Travatan Z?

Direct answer: Underwriters will question it and may increase rates.

If Travatan Z alone isn’t achieving your target IOP, underwriters want to know if you’re on additional glaucoma medications or considering other treatments. Inadequately controlled IOP suggests risk of disease progression. Work with your ophthalmologist to optimize treatment before applying, if possible.

Do I need to wait to apply, or can I apply now?

Direct answer: Apply now if the disease is controlled.

Timing doesn’t matter. Whether you were just diagnosed or have had glaucoma for years, apply when your disease is controlled. No benefit to waiting.

Do I have to disclose glaucoma?

Direct answer: Yes, absolutely.

Glaucoma will appear on medical records. Concealing it is fraud. Disclose it upfront—it demonstrates honesty and allows underwriters to properly assess your risk.

Is Travatan Z the only glaucoma medication, or are there others?

Direct answer: Travatan Z is one of several glaucoma medications.

Prostaglandin analogs (Travatan Z, Lumigan, Xalatan) are first-line treatments. Beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and combination medications are also used. Underwriters evaluate the same way regardless of medication—is the disease controlled? If yes, standard underwriting. If not, no concern.

Can I apply with any carrier, or do I need specialty insurance?

Direct answer: Any standard carrier works.

You don’t need specialty insurance for glaucoma. Apply with standard carriers. Unless you have significant additional health complications, no special underwritingis  required.