Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: The pressure lowering effect of Latanoprost eye drops may be caused by a reduction of collagens within the uveoscleral outflow pathway. We have put the hypothesis forward, that topically applied Latanoprost may reduce the collagens in the cornea and that this change could be assessed by ultrasound pachometry. This hypothesis has been checked in a retrospective study in glaucoma patients with topical Latanoprost treatment and for comparison with topical Dorzolamid treatment. Methods: Latanoprost group: 21 males, 21 females; age: (minimum-median-maximum) 50-67-89; follow-up time: 5-21-26 month. Dorzolamid group: 21 males, 21 females; age: 44-69-87; follow-up time: 7-20-27 month. Ultrasound pachometry unit: Pachette (DGH Technology/Technomed). The data was evaluated by multiple linear regression. Results: Latanoprost group: Decrease of corneal thickness in females by -1.0 m/month (p=0.001) and in males by -0.57 m/month (p=0.055). Dorzolamid group: Increase of corneal thickness in females by 0.16 m/month (p=0.547) and in males by 0.51 m (p=0.061). Discussion: The comparison of two treatment groups was done in order to avoid methodological errors. The data shows that corneal thickness decreases during Latanoprost treatment. This observation may be caused by a reduction of collagens according to observations in animals. The difference in the decrease of corneal thickness in females and males may be explained by observations in animals. The increase of corneal thickness during Dorzolamid treatment in males has been observed in previous studies. Conclusion: Corneal thickness shows a decrease by topical Latanoprost treatment and a less pronounced increase by Dorzolamid treatment.
Keywords: 374 cornea: stroma and keratocytes • 514 pharmacology • 390 drug toxicity/drug effects