Private Saflutan (tafluprost) preservative-free glaucoma drops

Saflutan is a once-daily, preservative-free eye drop containing tafluprost 15 micrograms/ml, a prostaglandin analogue that lowers intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Prostaglandin analogues are the standard first-line class of glaucoma drop, and Saflutan's completely preservative-free single-dose format makes it a strong choice for patients with dry, sensitive or allergy-prone eyes — or anyone who has struggled with stinging and redness on preserved drops. Our consultant glaucoma specialists confirm suitability, prescribe it and monitor your pressure and optic nerve.

What Saflutan is

Saflutan contains tafluprost, a prostaglandin analogue — the same first-line class as latanoprost, travoprost and bimatoprost. Prostaglandin analogues are usually the first drop prescribed for open-angle glaucoma because they are highly effective, need only one drop a day and have few whole-body side effects.

What sets Saflutan apart is its format: it was the first prostaglandin analogue available in the UK entirely free of preservatives, supplied in individual single-dose units. The preservative used in most multi-dose bottles (benzalkonium chloride) can irritate the eye surface and worsen dry eye over years of daily use — a real issue in glaucoma, where treatment is lifelong. For preservative-free alternatives in the same class, compare Monopost (preservative-free latanoprost); for preserved single-agent options see Travatan (travoprost) and Lumigan (bimatoprost).

How to use it

The dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily, in the evening. Twist open a single-dose unit, instil one drop, and discard the unit — each one is sterile and preservative-free. If you use other eye drops, leave at least five minutes between them, and remove contact lenses before instilling the drop (they can be replaced after 15 minutes). Gently pressing the inner corner of the eye for a minute after the drop reduces the amount absorbed into the body. Using it at the same time each evening gives the steadiest pressure control.

Suitability & side effects

Saflutan suits adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who need a first-line pressure-lowering drop — especially those with dry eye, blepharitis, allergy to preservatives or sensitive eyes, and contact lens wearers who want a preservative-free option. Because it contains no beta-blocker, it avoids the breathing and heart cautions that apply to timolol-containing drops.

Side effects come from the prostaglandin class: red or itchy eyes in the first weeks (usually settling), longer, thicker and darker eyelashes, gradual darkening of the iris — most noticeable in mixed-colour eyes and usually permanent — and darkening of the skin around the eye, which tends to fade if the drop is stopped. Your consultant weighs these against the benefit of avoiding laser or surgery, and reviews alternatives — including a fixed-combination drop, SLT laser and glaucoma surgery — if drops are not tolerated or not enough. Our guide to drops vs SLT vs surgery compares the full treatment ladder.

Cost of private Saflutan treatment

The drops themselves are a standard prescription medicine — from around £12–£20 per pack of 30 single-dose units on a private prescription, or the standard NHS prescription charge if prescribed on the NHS. The main private cost is the specialist care around them: a consultant glaucoma assessment from £240 (£340 with OCT and visual fields) covers your pressure check, optic-nerve assessment, the prescription and a monitoring plan, with follow-up reviews from £150. Because glaucoma needs lifelong follow-up, most patients arrange periodic reviews. See the full glaucoma price guide, the glaucoma treatment prices, or the overall price guide.

Frequently asked questions