Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical latanoprost, travoprost and bimatoprost on the blood–aqueous barrier and central corneal thickness (CCT) of patients with primary open–angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods: Thirty–four phakic patients with POAG or OHT with no previous history of intraocular surgery or uveitis were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, masked–observer, cross–over study. Prior to inclusion in the study, all patients were instructed to discontinue their medications for 4 weeks. Patients were randomized to use latanoprost 0.005%, travoprost 0.004% or bimatoprost 0.03% once daily (8:00 PM) for 1 month, followed by a washout period of 4 weeks between each drug. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare meter (Kowa FM–500). CCT was calculated as the average of five measurements using ultrasound pachymetry. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry. All measurements were performed by a masked observer at 10:00 AM. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between baseline mean IOP, mean CCT, and mean flare values among the groups. There was no statistically significant increase in mean flare values from baseline when patients instilled travoprost (P=0.30), latanoprost (P=0.05) or bimatoprost (P=0.15). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between mean flare values in travoprost–, latanoprost–, and bimatoprost–treated eyes (P>0.05). All medications significantly reduced the mean IOP from baseline (P<0.0001). Travoprost reduced IOP more effectively than latanoprost (P=0.01), but no statistically significant difference was observed when compared to bimatoprost (P=0.28). A statistically significant reduction in mean CCT (0.59%) from baseline was observed when patients instilled bimatoprost (p=0.01). Latanoprost (P=0.10) and travoprost (P=0.35) did not reduce mean CCT from baseline. Conclusions:Latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost had no statistically significant effect on the blood–aqueous barrier of phakic patients with POAG or OHT. Bimatoprost use may be associated with a reduction in mean CCT.
Keywords: eicosanoids • inflammation • intraocular pressure