Efficacy and safety of timolol and latanoprost in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive optic neuropathy which leads to optic nerve damage and loss of visual function. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important and only modifiable risk factor. Hence, the goal of glaucoma therapy is to lower IOP, and ocular hypotensive agents have the potential to prevent optic nerve damage and preserve vision. Aims and Objectives: Aims and objectives of the study are to compare the efficacy and safety of timolol 0.5% versus latanoprost 0.005% in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Materials and Methods: A total of 60 newly diagnosed patients of POAG who fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria were enrolled and randomized into two groups of 30 each to receive timolol 0.5% twice daily and latanoprost 0.005% once daily in the evening. IOP was recorded at baseline and each follow-up visit. The patients were followed every 4 weeks for 12 weeks. Adverse effects, if any, were also recorded at each visit. Results: At 12 weeks both timolol and latanoprost effectively reduced IOP, but the reduction was significantly greater (P < 0.0001) with latanoprost (7.97 ± 1.27 mmHg, 31.25%) compared with timolol (6.77 ± 1.48 mmHg, 25.9%). More number of eyes (χ 2 = 4.6, df = 1, P = 0.032) treated with latanoprost (46, 76.6%) achieved a specific target IOP as compared to those treated with timolol (35, 58.3%). Both the study medications were well tolerated. Conclusion: Latanoprost was found to be more potent and efficacious in reducing IOP with good tolerability in patients with POAG.

An Evaluation of Efficacy of Commonly Used First Line Drugs in Terms of Intra Ocular Pressure, Ocular Perfusion Pressure, and Field of Vision in Patients of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma of North Karnataka

“…Its incidence is gradually increasing throughout the world, and it is the second most important cause of blindness [1]. It is characterized by an increase in the intra-ocular pressure (IOP), which happens to be the single most important risk factor of glaucomatous optic neuropathy [2]. Hence, its measurement is vital in the initial diagnosis and management of glaucoma.…”

“…The ultimate goal in the management of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is directed at lowering the elevated IOP using medications, laser or surgery [2]. Medical management forms the most commonly used modality, and others are reserved in cases where medical therapy fails [6,7].…”

“…Medical management forms the most commonly used modality, and others are reserved in cases where medical therapy fails [6,7]. Beta-adrenergic blockers that reduce the aqueous formation and prostaglandin analogues that increase uveoscleral outflow constitute the most commonly used drugs in the management of POAG [2]. Timolol, a prototype ocular β blocker, which has been a first line drug in the management of POAG, has been presently questioned on its efficacy and its effect on blood pressure, ocular perfusion pressure, adverse effect profile and associated non-compliance that could be a potential limitation for its use [8,9].…”