Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To compare intraocular pressure control in Glaucoma patients on switching from Xalacom to Bimatoprost 0.03% and to evaluate any changes in respiratory function, heart rate and the incidence of ocular side effects. Methods: 50 consecutive primary open angle glaucoma patients who had been on topical Xalacom monotherapy for at least 2 months were recruited. They underwent a full ocular examination and answered a questionnaire on ocular symptoms. Their respiratory function was assessed using a portable microelectronic spirometer and pulse recorded. The topical medication was switched to Bimatoprost and the patients were reviewed in an identical manner two months later. Results: There was no significant difference in mean IOP between Xalacom (17.2mmHg) and Bimatoprost (16.4mmHg) (paired t–test p=0.23). The mean heart rate was 70beats per minute on Xalacom and increased to 76beats per minute on Bimatoprost (paired t–test, p=0.01). The mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was 328l/min on Xalacom, but increased to 346l/min on Bimatoprost (p=0.04). The mean FEV1/FVC ratio increased from 76.6 to 80.1 when changed from Xalacom to Bimatoprost (p=0.03). Symptoms of redness, blurred vision, stinging and watering were similar for Xalacom and Bimatoprost. However patients demonstrating hyperaemia doubled to 22 when switched to Bimatoprost. Conclusions: Bimatoprost alone is as efficacious as Xalacom in lowering IOP and has less effect on cardiorespiratory function. This study indicates that bimatoprost is a very safe, well–tolerated and efficacious IOP lowering agent.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled • intraocular pressure • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications