[Long-term study of nipradilol ophthalmic solution in patients with normal-tension glaucoma].

PURPOSE: We investigated the long-term clinical effects of a nipradilol ophthalmic solution on normal-tension glaucoma.

METHODS

Among normal tension glaucoma patients who consulted the Nara Medical University Hospital or 2 affiliated hospitals between November 2001 and August 2002, we prospectively examined intraocular pressure-decreasing effects, the deterioration of visual field defects, and the appearance of side effects in 46 patients who underwent single therapy with a nipradilol ophthalmic solution. We evaluated intraocular pressure at 6-month intervals. The deterioration of visual field defects was assessed based on a 3-dB or more decrease in the mean deviation measured using the Humphrey Field Analyzer 30-2 program.

RESULTS

The 60 months intraocular pressure value after administration of nipradilol ophthalmic solution was significantly lower than the pretreatment value. The deterioration of visual field defects was examined using the Kaplan-Meier life table. The survival rate after 60 months was 82.4%. In 4 of the 46 patients, administration of the nipradilol ophthalmic solution was discontinued due to side effects.

CONCLUSION

Long-term therapy with a nipradilol ophthalmic solution may be useful for treating normal-tension glaucoma.