The ocular effects of 200 micrograms of topically applied prostaglandin F2 alpha were studied in 18 nonglaucomatous volunteers. A fall in intraocular pressure was seen in the prostaglandin-treated eyes when compared with the placebo-treated control eyes. The maximum intraocular pressure reduction was observed at the 7th h and hypotensive ocular effect persisted for 24 h. Prostaglandins did not produce any change in pupillary diameter or signs of intraocular inflammation visible by anterior segment biomicroscopy or iris fluorescein angiography. The drug caused side effects: conjunctival hyperemia was constant and many patients complained of ocular smarting and headache. It could be useful in the treatment of ocular hypertension, although its usefulness would be limited by the side effects.