[Effectiveness of dorzolamide as added therapy in glaucoma patients with maximum tolerated drug therapy. A pilot study].

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the value of dorzolamid as an adjunct to maximum tolerated medical therapy in glaucoma patients in whom surgery would otherwise be required.

METHODS

32 eyes of 21 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (14 patients), glaucoma in aphakia (3 patients), pigmentary glaucoma (2 patients), juvenile glaucoma (1 patient) and exfoliative glaucoma (1 patient) were included. The effect of additional dorzolamid application on intraocular pressure (IOP) was determined after 2 hours, 4 days, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. After 6 months, visual fields were checked.

RESULTS

Average reduction of IOP in eyes in which dorzolamid was continued was determined to be 31% after 2 hours, 18.3% after 4 days, 17.9% after 4 weeks, 12.1% after 3 months and 9.7% after 6 months. 19 (59%) eyes continued to receive dorzolamid after 6 months without being operated. No progression of glaucomatous damage could be detected in these eyes. In 11 (34%) eyes, treatment with dorzolamid was discontinued. 2 patients (4 (12%) eyes) did not tolerate local side effects of dorzolamid. In 7 (22%) eyes reduction of IOP was insufficient and filtration surgery had to be performed immediately.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study demonstrate that dorzolamid represents an alternative to an immediate surgical management in patients on maximum tolerated therapy for at least six months.