Effects of Xalatan® (Latanoprost Ophthalmic Solution) or Travatan Z® (Travoprost Ophthalmic Solution) on Ocular Surface Signs and Symptoms in Ocular Hypertensive or Glaucoma Patients: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Purpose: : Prostaglandins are a popular choice for treatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma because of their clinical efficacy and once-daily dosing schedule. Unfortunately the burning and stinging associated with their instillation contributes to treatment failures due to non-compliance, which is worse in patients with dry eye. This pilot study examines potential differences in the ocular signs and symptoms in patients treated with either latanoprost or travoprost, based subjective and clinical assessments

Methods: : The study includes 40 patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma with mild to moderate dry eye (≤Grade 3, Oxford Grading Scale) enrolled to complete four visits over two months. At the 1^st visit, screened patients are allowed 4-28 days to washout of their current medication. The 2^nd visit is the baseline where patients are randomized to receive either drug. Patients follow treatment regimen until exit at day 56. Primary endpoint is the OSDI scores (patient’s subjective assessment) while secondary endpoints are clinical: TBUT, corneal assessment, lissamine green staining, and slit-lamp exam. All evaluations are performed by a masked investigator. Student’s t-test was performed to compare treatment outcomes.

Results: : Preliminary results indicate that travoprost significantly reduced OSDI scores from an average baseline of 25 to 7.5 after 4 week treatment (p=0.03, n=1). During this 4 week treatment period, BCVA, central corneal grading and lissamine staining were statistically improved. TBUT, Schirmer test and slit lamp biomicroscopy scores were statistically unimproved. The latanoprost treatment group is being assessed

Conclusions: : Patients enrolled in the travoprost arm of the study have experienced a significant improvement in their subjective assessment. This trend is promising as the ocular sign and symptoms contributing to ocular discomfort are mitigated. This relief of burning and stinging associated with instillation may increase compliance leading to better clinical outcomes. This study was supported in part by Pfizer…

Clinical Trial: : www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00799682

Keywords: quality of life • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye • ocular irritants