The influence of diclofenac ophthalmic solution on the intraocular pressure-lowering effect of topical 0.5% timolol and 0.005% latanoprost in primary open-angle glaucoma patients

The aim of this randomized, prospective, masked clinical study has been to verify the influence of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ophthalmic solution on intraocular pressure reduction induced by 0.5% timolol and 0.005% latanoprost eyedrops in patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma. Thirty-two glaucomatous patients, compensated with 0.5% timolol, were randomized into two study groups (A and B). Timolol was continued for the first 2 weeks in all subjects. On the 15th day, in both groups timolol was replaced by latanoprost, and this regimen lasted up to the end of the follow-up (8 weeks). At the beginning of the 2nd week of the study, group A additionally started a 5-week therapy with topical 0.1% diclofenac; during the same period, group B received placebo eyedrops with identical modalities. Intraocular pressure was recorded at 7-day intervals during the first 7 weeks and at the 10th week. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and placebo did not modify the effect of timolol on intraocular pressure. In both groups, latanoprost induced a significant decrease in intraocular pressure. Diclofenac-treated patients exhibited a marked fall in intraocular pressure (p<0.01), whereas in placebo-treated patients, this diminution was less noticeable (p<0.05). After diclofenac withdrawal, in group A intraocular pressure significantly increased (p<0.01), remaining approximately at the same level up to the end of the study. In group B, at the same checks no significant variations in intraocular pressure occurred. In primary open-angle glaucoma patients, diclofenac significantly enhances the hypotensive effect of latanoprost, without influence on timolol efficacy. Because non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely employed in medical practice, supplementary ophthalmologic checks should be scheduled during the co-administration of these compounds and prostaglandin analogues.     

Predictors for visual field progression and the effects of treatment with dorzolamide 2% or brinzolamide 1% each added to timolol 0.5% in primary open‐angle glaucoma

Purpose: This study aims to identify progression factors in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), including the effects of treatment with dorzolamide 2% or brinzolamide 1%, each added to timolol 0.5%. Methods: A sample of 161 POAG patients were prospectively randomized to receive either dorzolamide 2% (DT) or brinzolamide 1% (BT) b.i.d., each added to timolol 0.5%, during a 60‐month, evaluator‐masked study. Progression was determined by perimetric criteria. Factors associated with visual field progression were estimated using a conditional Cox hazard model with patient intraclass correlation and were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: Predictive baseline factors were lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP), lower mean arterial pressure (MAP), antihypertensive treatment, lower end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA), and a higher resistivity index (RI) in the OA and SPCA. Progression risk decreased by approximately 30% and 20% with each centimetre per second increase of EDV in the OA and SPCA, respectively, from baseline to the last follow‐up visit. Each RI decrease (or increase) of 0.01 unit in the OA or SPCA was associated with an approximate 20% decrease (or increase) in risk for progression. In a multivariate analysis, progression risk was significantly lower in eyes treated with DT (HR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.41–0.90) compared with those treated with BT. Conclusions: Progression increased with lower DBP, lower MAP, antihypertensive medication, lower EDV in the OA and SPCA, and higher RI in the OA and SPCA. The risk for progression in patients treated with DT was half that in patients treated with BT.     

Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5%-fixed combination with and without benzalkonium chloride: a prospective, randomized, doubled-masked comparison of safety and efficacy

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy of travoprost/timolol in a benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-free fixed combination preserved with polyquaternium-1 (TRA/TIM BAK-free), with travoprost/timolol-fixed combination preserved with BAK (TRA/TIM), in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, subjects with IOP of at least 22 mm Hg in one or both eyes at 0900 h, and IOP of at least 21 mm Hg in one or both eyes at 1100 h and 1600 h at two eligibility visits were randomly assigned to receive either TRA/TIM BAK-free (n=195) or TRA/TIM (n=193), dosed once daily in the morning (0900 h) for 6 weeks. IOP was assessed at 0900 h, 1100 h, and 1600 h at each scheduled visit (baseline, 2 and 6 weeks after randomization).

Results

Mean IOP reduction across all visits and time points was 8.0 mm Hg in the TRA/TIM BAK-free group and 8.4 mm Hg in the TRA/TIM group (P=0.0943). The difference in mean IOP between groups ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 mm Hg across visits and time points, with a mean pooled difference of 0.4 mm Hg (95% CI: −0.1 to 0.8), demonstrating equivalence of the two formulations. The most common drug-related adverse event was hyperemia of the eye (ocular hyperemia and conjunctival hyperemia combined), occurring in 11.8% of the TRA/TIM BAK-free group and 13.0% of the TRA/TIM group.

Conclusion

Travoprost/timolol BAK-free demonstrated equivalence to travoprost/timolol preserved with BAK in efficacy. No clinically relevant differences in the safety profiles of travoprost/timolol BAK-free and travoprost/timolol preserved with BAK were identified.     

A three-month, multicenter, double-masked study of the safety and efficacy of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution compared to travoprost 0.004% ophthalmic solution and timolol 0.5% dosed concomitantly in subjects with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy of travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination to the concomitant administration of travoprost 0.004% (TRAVATAN) and timolol 0.5% in subjects with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. METHODS: This was a randomized, multicenter, double-masked, active-controlled, parallel group study. Three hundred sixteen patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution fixed combination once daily in the morning or concomitant administration of timolol 0.5% once daily in the morning and travoprost 0.004% ophthalmic solution once daily in the evening. The efficacy and safety of the fixed combination were compared with concomitant therapy over three months. The primary efficacy outcome measure was mean intraocular pressure. RESULTS: Both travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination and the concomitant administration of travoprost 0.004% and timolol 0.5% produced statistically significant reductions from baseline in IOP, with mean IOP ranging from 15.2 to 16.5 mm Hg in the patients using travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination compared with 14.7 to 16.1 mm Hg in the concomitant group. The upper 95.1% confidence limit for the differences in mean IOP (fixed combination minus concomitant) was < or =1.5 mm Hg at 7 of 9 visits, including all three 8 AM time points, 24-hours post-dose. Mean IOP reductions from baseline ranged from 7.4 to 9.4 mm Hg in the fixed combination group compared with 8.4 to 9.4 mm Hg with concomitant therapy. Safety analysis demonstrated equivalent safety between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: A fixed combination of travoprost 0.004% and timolol 0.5% produced clinically relevant IOP reductions in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension that were comparable to concomitant therapy with its components. Safety and tolerability of the fixed combination were also equivalent to concomitant therapy. Travoprost 0.004%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination offers IOP reduction equivalent to concomitant therapy, with potential benefits that include convenience (fewer bottles and drops per day), improved compliance, cost savings (based on fewer co-payments), and elimination of potential washout effects.     

益精补阳还五汤联合马来酸噻吗洛尔治疗POAG的疗效分析

目的:探讨益精补阳还五汤联合马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液对原发性开角型青光眼(POAG)患者眼血供、眼压及视力的影响。方法:选取2018-02/2020-02本院POAG患者120例,依据随机表分为滴眼组(60例,给予马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液治疗)和汤液组(60例,给予马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液联合益精补阳还五汤治疗),比较两组眼血供[视网膜中央动脉(CRA)和睫状后动脉(PCA)的舒张末期血流速度(EDV)、收缩期峰值血流速度(PSA)、阻力指数(RI)]、眼压、视力、视野[平均视敏度(MS)、平均视野缺损(MD)]、疗效、不良反应。结果:汤液组和滴眼组治疗后CRA和PCA的EDV、PSA及视力、MS明显高于治疗前,汤液组和滴眼组治疗后CRA、PCA的RI及眼压、MD明显低于治疗前,汤液组治疗后CRA和PCA的EDV、PSA及视力、MS明显高于滴眼组,汤液组治疗后CRA、PCA的RI及眼压、MD明显低于滴眼组(P<0.05);汤液组治疗有效率明显高于滴眼组(P<0.05);汤液组和滴眼组不良反应率无差异(P>0.05)。结论:益精补阳还五汤联合马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液可有效改善POAG患者眼血供、眼压及视力、视野,提高了疗效,且安全性好。     

A comparative study on the effects of apraclonidine and timolol on the ophthalmic blood flow velocity waveforms

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical timolol and apraclonidine on retrobulbar blood flow velocity waveforms in a group of healthy volunteers.Methods: Apraclonidine 1% and timolol maleate 0.5% single dose administrations were crossed over double masked in 12 healthy volunteers. The intraocular pressure measurements were followed by Doppler examination of the ophthalmic artery and the central retinal artery.Results: Intraocular pressure was reduced significantly on both treated and fellow eyes after timolol (p = 0.003, p = 0.04 respectively) and after apraclonidine (p = 0.002, p = 0.01 respectively). After apraclonidine administration end diastolic velocity, mean velocity decreased and pulsatility index increased in the ophthalmic artery of both treated and fellow eyes. Resistivity index increased and peak systolic velocity decreased only in the ophthalmic artery of treated eyes. All Doppler indices remained nonsignificant for central retinal artery of both eyes.After timolol administration there were no significant changes of the Doppler indices in the ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery of the treated and fellow eyes.Conclusion: Topical timolol and apraclonidine significantly reduced the intraocular pressure. Single dose administration of apraclonidine 1% increased the vascular impedance distal to the ophthalmic artery. On the other hand, timolol 0.5% had no effect on vascular impedance.     

Cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion for dry eye in Korea: a prospective, multicenter, open-label, surveillance study

Purpose

To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (CsA) 0.05% in patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease in Korea.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, surveillance study of 392 Korean patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease who were treated with CsA 0.05% for three months. An assessment of effectiveness was performed at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 3 months. The primary effectiveness outcomes were changes in ocular symptoms and Schirmer score. The secondary effectiveness outcomes were a change in conjunctival staining, use of artificial tears, global evaluation of treatment, and patient satisfaction. The primary safety outcome was the incidence and nature of adverse events.

Results

A total of 362 patients completed the study. After three months, all ocular symptom scores were significantly reduced compared to the baseline values, while the Schirmer scores were significantly increased relative to baseline (p < 0.0001). After three months, there were significant reductions from baseline in conjunctival staining (p < 0.01) and use of artificial tears (p < 0.0001). According to clinicians'' global evaluations, most patients (>50%) experienced at least a 25% to 50% improvement in symptoms from baseline at each follow-up visit. The majority of patients (72.0%) were satisfied with the treatment results, and 57.2% reported having no or mild symptoms after treatment. The most common adverse events were ocular pain (11.0%).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that CsA 0.05% is an effective and tolerable treatment for dry eye disease in Korean clinical practice.     

Changes in ocular surface caused by antiglaucomatous eyedrops: prospective, randomised study for the comparison of 0.5% timolol v 0. 12% unoprostone

AIM: To study changes induced in ocular surface epithelia and the tear film by antiglaucomatous eyedrops. A beta blocker (0.5% timolol) and a novel prostaglandin F(2alpha) metabolite related drug (0.12% unoprostone) were examined in a prospective, randomised fashion. METHODS: 40 patients were randomly assigned to use either 0. 5% timolol (timolol group) or 0.12% unoprostone eyedrops (unoprostone group) twice a day for 24 weeks. In addition to routine ocular examinations, corneal epithelial integrity (vital staining tests, tear film break up time (BUT), anterior fluorometry, specular microscopy) and tear function (Schirmer's test, cotton thread test, tear clearance test (TCT)) were examined before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Both eyedrops caused significant reduction in intraocular pressure from the baseline levels. No significant changes were noted in corneal integrity in both groups, except a decrease in BUT at 20 weeks in the timolol group. The timolol group demonstrated significant decreases in Schirmer's test, tear clearance test, and tear function index (Schirmer's test value multiplied by clearance test); however, no such changes were noted in the unoprostone group. CONCLUSION: While unoprostone eyedrops caused no adverse effects on the corneal epithelial integrity and tear function, timolol caused significant impairments in tear production and turnover.     

Clinical effectiveness of diquafosol ophthalmic solution 3% in Korean patients with dry eye disease: a multicenter prospective observational study

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness of diquafosol ophthalmic solution 3% administered in Korean patients with dry eye disease in real-world clinical settings. METHODS: Diquafosol was administered for 8wk to 3 patient groups who received diquafosol as add-on therapy to existing medication (Add group, n=150); received diquafosol only (Monotherapy group, n=196); or discontinued part of their existing medication in favor of diquafosol (Switch group, n=11). Tear break-up time (TBUT), cornea and conjunctival staining based on National Eye Institute/Industry scoring scheme, subjective symptoms using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, and meibum quality and expressibility were evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8. RESULTS: The mean TBUT increased (from 3.46, 3.92, and 5.84s, respectively, to 5.15, 5.53, and 8.59s, respectively) and corneal staining score decreased (from 2.23, 2.24, and 3.09, respectively, to 0.85, 0.97, and 1.64, respectively) in a time-dependent manner from baseline to week 8 in all three groups. Conjunctival staining score, OSDI questionnaire, and meibum quality and expressibility improved over time from baseline to week 8 in the Add and Monotherapy groups, but differences were not statistically significant in the Switch group. CONCLUSION: Diquafosol improves subjective symptoms and objective signs in patients treated with existing medicines combined with diquafosol and treated solely with diquafosol. Diquafosol can be used as an effective therapeutic agent for dry eye disease or additionally applied in patients who have insufficient response to existing medicines.     

Comparison of the effects of brimonidine 0.2% and timolol 0.5% on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in ocular hypertensive patients: a prospective, unmasked study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of brimonidine and timolol on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in ocular hypertensive patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, comparative, and unmasked study. For 12 months, 38 eyes of 19 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma received brimonidine tartrate 0.2%, and 40 eyes of 20 patients received timolol maleate 0.5%. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured every 2 months, and RNFL thickness was assessed using Scanning laser polarimetry (GDx) at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: Mean IOP reduction was similar in both groups. Within each treatment group, the RNFL thickness for ellipse average (P = 0.004), superior (P = 0.035), temporal (P = 0.003), inferior (P < 0.0001), and nasal averages (P = 0.044) were significantly decreased from baseline in timolol at 12 months. However, the RNFL thickness for ellipse average and four quadrants showed no significant change from baseline in brimonidine. The between-group difference in RNFL change showed a significant reduction for ellipse average (P = 0.02), temporal (P = 0.005), and inferior averages (P = 0.016) following timolol therapy, as compared to brimonidine. CONCLUSIONS: There appear to be less progression for RNFL damage following brimonidine 0.2% therapy compared to timolol 0.5% in ocular hypertensive patients over 1 year. This finding does not correlate with IOP reduction.     

Low-dose combined guanethedine 1% and adrenaline 0.5% in the treatment of chronic simple glaucoma: a prospective study.

This paper reports on the results of a prospective double-blind crossover study, comparing adrenaline 1% with adrenaline 0.5% combined with guanethedine 1% over an 8-week period with each formulation. The guanethedine/adrenaline formulation was found to be the more effective hypotensive agent of the two. This study confirms the potentiating effect of adding guanethedine to adrenaline, and suggests that this combination would be a useful alternative treatment when adrenaline 1% or adrenaline 0.25% with guanethedine 1% is insufficient.     

A phase III,placebo controlled clinical trial of 0.5% levofloxacin ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution (Quixin) with placebo for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, placebo controlled, double masked, multicentre study, 249 patients with bacterial conjunctivitis received either 0.5% levofloxacin (n = 126) or placebo (n = 123) for 5 days, administered every 2 hours on days 1-2, then every 4 hours on days 3-5. Cultures were obtained and signs/symptoms evaluated at baseline, interim, and final visits. The end point was the last evaluable observation. Primary microbial outcomes were based on culture results; clinical outcomes were based on resolution of cardinal signs. RESULTS: 117 patients (60 levofloxacin, 57 placebo) were evaluated. Microbial eradication rates were significantly greater with levofloxacin at all time points, reaching 90% at end point. In a subgroup analysis, differences in eradication rates at end point were most pronounced in children but were also statistically significant for levofloxacin in adults. Clinical cure rates were significantly greater with levofloxacin at final visit and end point. Statistically significant differences favouring levofloxacin were measured at end point for resolution of conjunctival discharge, bulbar conjunctival injection, palpebral conjunctival injection, burning/stinging, itching, and photophobia. Adverse events were similar between groups. Safety composite scores analysed by age indicated significantly fewer children on levofloxacin experienced worsening symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Levofloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic solution is safe and effective for treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.     

A prospective, long-term, randomized study of the efficacy and safety of the drug combination pilocarpine 1% with clonidine 0.06% or clonidine 0.125% versus timolol 0.25%.

The purpose of this prospective, randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the drug combinations--pilocarpine 1% with clonidine 0.06% and pilocarpine 1% with clonidine 0.125%, in comparison with timolol 0.25%. 54 patients with bilateral primary open angle glaucoma and comparable IOP were assigned to three study groups: group 1 received the drug combination of pilocarpine 1% and clonidine 0.06%, group 2 received the drug combination pilocarpine 1% and clonidine 0.125% and group 3 only timolol 0.25% drops. In all groups twice-daily medication was used. Mean diurnal IOP as well as ocular and systemic side effects were evaluated at week 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12. Changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, pupil size and patient symptoms were also recorded. At three months all patients had completed the study. Diurnal IOP was significantly reduced from baseline in all groups and consistent IOP reduction was achieved in all three groups at all follow up periods. Mean IOP reduction was 18.40%, 28.45% and 24.64% in group 1, group 2 and group 3, respectively. Flattening of the diurnal fluctuation in IOP was also seen in all patients. On comparing the IOP reduction achieved amongst the three groups, there was a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 as well as between group I and group 3 while the difference between group 2 and group 3 was statistically insignificant. The drug combinations of pilocarpine 1% and clonidine did not produce any statistically significant effect on pupil diameter. No statistically significant difference was noted with respect to patient symptoms, blood pressure and pulse rate. In conclusion, the drug combination of pilocarpine 1% and clonidine 0.125% produces IOP reduction comparable to that achieved with timolol 0.25% drops in twice daily dosage and does not result in any significant ocular and systemic adverse effects.     

A six-week, parallel, randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of the 0.5% timolol/2.0% MK-507 combination b.i.d. to the concomitant administration of 0.5% timolol b.i.d. and 2.0% MK-507 b.i.d.

This was a 6-week, parallel, randomized, double-blind study comparing the efficacy and safety of the 0.5% timolol/2.0% MK-507 combination b.i.d. to the concomitant administration of 0.5% timolol b.i.d. and 2.0% MK-507 b.i.d. Patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma from 21 to 85 years of age were enrolled in this study. Each of them should have intraocular pressure (IOP) of 20 mmHg or more in the study eye after they completed the wash-out period. The patients enrolled were randomly assigned to either combination (0.5% timolol/2.0% MK-507 b.i.d. and placebo b.i.d.) or concomitant (0.5% timolol b.i.d. and 2.0% MK-507 b.i.d.) treatment. During the study, no systemic or topical medication affecting IOP other than test drugs were allowed. A total of 20 randomized patients were included in the intention-to-treat population for analysis of data. The ten were assigned to the combination treatment and others were assigned to the concomitant treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the two study treatments in terms of gender distribution, average age, and average IOP at the trough and the peak before starting the test medications. Mean reduction of the IOP from baseline to the final visit at the trough was 5.04 mmHg in the combination treatment and was 2.73 mmHg in the concomitant treatment. Mean reduction of the IOP at the peak was 2.19 mmHg in the combination treatment and was 2.53 mmHg in the concomitant treatment. There were no statistically significant differences in the above analyses between the two treatments. Safety evaluation was carried out, and number of adverse events in each treatment group did not differ substantially. Ocular signs and symptoms were evaluated in each visit, and all of the between-treatment values were not different significantly, either. Laboratory tests were performed, and showed no significant differences between pre- and post-treatment periods. None of these was found to be clinically serious, either. We concluded that the 0.5% timolol/2.0% MK-507 combination b.i.d. is equivalent in the efficacy of lowering IOP as well as safety compared to the concomitant administration of 0.5% timolol b.i.d. and 2.0% MK-507 b.i.d. in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.     

Subjective and objective assessment of the eye drop instillation technique: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Purpose:To objectively and subjectively evaluate eye drop technique and assess communicated instructions, and reported problems with eye drop instillation among tertiary care sample eye drop users.Methods:A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out among patients attending our outpatient clinic from June to September 2020. Eligible participants obtained through convenient sampling were assessed for their eye drop instillation performance. The objective evaluation was made using observation of a demonstration and subjective assessment through responses to an interview. Patient inclusion criteria were being aged ≥18 years and using eye drops for ≥ one month; excluded if having a disability in communication or physical barriers in using eye drops. The patient reported difficulties and previous education about the instillation were also obtained.Results:Participants (n = 84) had a mean age of 50.3 ± 14.0 years. During the demonstration, almost everyone (86.9%) successfully instilled at least one drop in the eye. None of the participants exhibited a perfect drop technique. The most common deviations were failing to close the eye (60.7%), touching the bottle to the eye or eyelid (36.9% of patients), and multiple blinks after drop instillation without nasolacrimal occlusion (25.0%). Forty percent of patients reported ≥1 problem and only a small sample recalled having had education in the eye drop instillation technique.Conclusion:Most participants failed to properly execute the eye drop technique. A proactive role of the prescribing practitioner to assess a patient’s ability to instill eye drops correctly could be helpful.     

The additive effects on intraocular pressure of combining nipradilol 0.25% and latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solutions: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study

Purpose  To investigate the effectiveness of combining nipradilol 0.25% and latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solutions in improving the intraocular pressures (IOPs) in glaucoma patients. Methods  We divided the 53 patients into two groups, those who had been treated with latanoprost and those who had been treated with nipradilol. We administered to the first group one dose of latanoprost daily for 12 weeks and to the second group one dose of nipradilol daily for 12 weeks. Each group then received both solutions for another 12 weeks; the latanoprost group received nipradilol and the nipradilol group received latanoprost. IOPs were measured at each 4-week visit. Results  In the patients previously treated with latanoprost, the mean IOP was 19.6 ± 2.5 mmHg at baseline, and 14.9 ± 2.4 mmHg (23.7% reduction) after 12 weeks of latanoprost monotherapy. The addition of nipradilol decreased the IOP to 13.8 ± 1.9 mmHg (29.0% reduction). In the group previously treated with nipradilol, the mean IOP was 20.2 ± 3.1 mmHg at baseline, and 16.7 ± 3.5 mmHg (17.1% reduction) after 12 weeks of nipradilol monotherapy. Addition of latanoprost decreased the IOP to 14.2 ± 3.2 mmHg (29.5% reduction). Conclusion  Latanoprost and nipradilol are more effective as a combination therapy than each one by itself.     

A prospective study determining the efficacy of topical 0.5% levofloxacin on bacterial flora of patients with chronic blepharoconjunctivitis

Background  To determine the efficacy of conjunctival bacterial eradication following a 1-day, 3-day and 7-day application of topical 0.5% levofloxacin, with and without eyelid scrub, in patients with chronic blepharoconjunctivitis (CBC). Methods  Patients with CBC (n = 60) were prospectively randomized to three groups (n = 20 in each group): no antibiotic treatment, topical levofloxacin four times per day in both eyes, and eyelid scrub in addition to topical levovofloxacin four times a day in both eyes. Patients without CBC (n = 40) were enrolled as the negative control group. Cultures of the conjunctiva were obtained from both eyes at baseline, 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days following treatment. Results  The most common bacteria isolated for all groups at baseline were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Eight patients did not complete the study. The remaining 52 patients with CBC had a significantly higher rate of positive thioglycolate broth cultures (94%) compared to a 58% positive culture rate in patient without CBC (P < 0.0001). Treatment with at least 3 days of topical antibiotic in patient with CBC resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the number of thioglycolate positive cultures (≤ 60%) compared to non-treated eyes (≥ 88%). Following a minimum of a 1-day application of antibiotic, the median colony-forming unit was 0–1 compared to 3–8 for eyes without antibiotic treatment (P < 0.05). Scrubbing of the eyelids did not provide further benefit compared to antibiotic treatment alone. Conclusions  CBC eyes have a significantly higher number of positive cultures than eyes without CBC. The application of topical 0.5% levofloxacin for at least 3 days provided a significant reduction in the number of positive cultures as well as the number of bacteria harbored on the conjunctival surface. Research supported by Santen GmbH, Germering, Germany; Georg-Hannelore-Zimmermann Foundation, Munich, Germany; bioMérieux Deutschland GmbH, Nürtingen, Germany. This study was presented in part at the meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, May 2008. Clinical Trial Registration at EudraCT, registration number 2006-005075-18 The authors have no proprietary interest in any of the products used in this study. The authors have full control of all primary data, and they agree to allow Graefe’s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology to review their data upon request.