[Effect of ocular hypotensive medications in preventing the progression of visual field damage in patients with normal-tension glaucoma].

PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of ocular hypotensive medications and the risk factors for progression of visual field damage in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

SUBJECTS AND

METHODS

Sixty-four NTG patients (64 eyes) followed at least 4 years with ocular hypotensive medications were studied regarding the probability of visual field stability using the Kaplan-Meier life-table analysis and multiple regression analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

Probability of visual field stability was 56% at the 76-month follow-up. Mean intraocular pressure during the follow-up period and generalized cup enlargement type classified according to the optic disc shape were found to have significant influence on the progression of visual field damage.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that ocular hypotensive medications are effective in stabilizing the visual field. We need to pay attention to the optic disc shape in patients with NTG.