Comparison of the Effects of Latanoprost and Timolol Maleate 0.5% on the Corneal Epithelium Using Confocal Microscopy

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of the two most frequently used antiglaucomatous agents (latanoprost (Pfizer) and timolol maleate 0.5% (MSD)) on the corneal epithelium using confocal microscopy. Methods: A Tomey confoscan slit–scanning confocal microscope was used to examine the cornea of 40 eyes; 20 eyes of 15 patients treated by latanoprost and 20 eyes of 16 patients treated by timolol maleate 0.5%. The interpretation of the images was performed in a masked manner. Results: The density of the superficial and basal epithelial cells as well as the number of subbasal nerves was similar in both groups. However, the latanoprost group showed highly reflective superficial epithelial cells with absence of nuclei and dark intercellular spaces. Conclusions: Latanoprost produces more changes in the superficial corneal epithelium than does timolol maleate.

Keywords: cornea: epithelium • cornea: clinical science