[Efficacy of latanoprost monotherapy treatment in primary open-angle glaucoma].

PURPOSE: To determine the efficiency and safety of latanoprost in glaucoma patients previously treated with Betablockers.

METHODS

Latanoprost 0.005% was applied topically once daily without washing period in 60 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma. The baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) was compared with post-latanoprost IOP for each yee. Responders were defined as those who had at least a 15% IOP reduction on latanoprost, whereas non-responders showed under 15% IOP reduction on latanoprost.

RESULTS

Baseline IOP of 23.50 S.D. 2.87 mm Hg (Mean SD) fell to 17.67 S.D. 1.62 mm Hg after 12 months of follow-up. Fifty-three eyes were responders, with an average IOP reduction of 28.28 S.D. 6.81%. Seven eyes were considered as non-responders with an average IOP reduction of 3.12% S.D. 2.98%. Five eyes (8.3%) had a demonstrable increase in iris pigmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Latanoprost, administered once daily, appears to be more active than betablockers in reducing intraocular pressure. Although further studies may be needed to confirm and evaluate the side effect of the increase in iris pigmentation (Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol 2002; 77: 269-274).