Ocular haemodynamics in pseudoexfoliative and primary open-angle glaucoma

OBJECTIVE: To compare the retrobulbar haemodynamic parameters in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA) in pseudoexfoliative and primary open-angle glaucoma patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fourty-three eyes from 43 patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXE) and 31 eyes from 31 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Colour Doppler imaging measurements, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were assessed in the OA and posterior ciliary arteries (PCA). Pourcelot resistivity indices (RI) were calculated. Visual function was assessed using the 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA). The main outcomes of the study were PSV, EDV, and RI in the OA and SPCA. RESULTS: In POAG patients, PSV and EDV were significantly lower in the OA, P=0.003 and P<0.001 respectively, and in the PCA, P=0.003 and P<0.001 respectively, when compared with the PXE group. The RI was significantly higher, P<0.001, in both vessels, in the POAG group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study have found reduced PSV and EDV and increased RI in the retrobulbar vessels of POAG patients when compared with PXE patients.     

Comparison of topical brinzolamide 1% and dorzolamide 2% eye drops given twice daily in addition to timolol 0.5% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: The aim was to compare topical brinzolamide 1% twice daily with dorzolamide 2% twice daily, each given with timolol 0.5% twice daily, for safety and effects on intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, active controlled, parallel group study was conducted multinationally at 31 sites, in 241 patients as above, with assessments at baseline and monthly during 3 months of treatment. The primary end point was a diurnal reduction of trough/peak intraocular pressure from a timolol 0.5% twice daily baseline. RESULTS: Both treatment regimens reduced intraocular pressure significantly at all time points (P <.001): brinzolamide plus timolol by -3.6 to -5.3 mm Hg (-14.2 to -21.9%), dorzolamide plus timolol by -3.6 mm Hg to -5.1 mm Hg (-14.1 to -21.2%). Clinically relevant intraocular pressure reductions (decreases 5 mm Hg or greater or absolute intraocular pressure values 21 mm Hg or less) were manifested by 50.0% to 89.3% of patients under brinzolamide plus timolol and by 43.9% to 85.4% under dorzolamide plus timolol. The treatments were equivalent in mean intraocular pressure-lowering. In general, both regimens were well tolerated. However, more patients (P =.001) experienced at least one adverse event with dorzolamide plus timolol (32.8%) as compared with brinzolamide plus timolol (14.7%); also, more patients (P =.001) experienced ocular discomfort (stinging and burning) after dorzolamide plus timolol (13.1%) than after brinzolamide plus timolol (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In terms of intraocular pressure reduction, brinzolamide 1% twice daily was equivalent to dorzolamide 2% twice daily, each added to timolol 0.5% twice daily, but brinzolamide produced significantly less ocular burning and stinging.     

Hemodynamic evaluation of the posterior ciliary circulation in exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported impaired blood flow in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and central retinal artery (CRA) in exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma. This study evaluates blood flow at the long and short posterior ciliary arteries (LPCA and SPCA, respectively) in these conditions. METHODS: Consecutively examined candidates for cataract surgery were included. Only one eye (OD) was included in the analyses for consistency. Patients were classified into non-glaucoma and non-exfoliation (controls), primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma groups, based on the findings of the OD. Sixty-eight patients (41 males, 60.3%) were included. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) of the nasal and temporal branches of LPCA and SPCA was performed using a 7.5 Mhz probe. The peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistivity index (RI) were recorded for the examined vessels. RESULTS: EDV at the LPCA was significantly lower in exfoliation syndrome and glaucoma, compared with controls and POAG respectively. EDV was significantly lower and RI was significantly higher at the SPCA in exfoliation glaucoma, compared with exfoliation, whereas respective differences were statistically not significant between controls and POAG. CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamic impairment at the LPCA in exfoliation syndrome and glaucoma supports an association between exfoliation and ischemic stress at the anterior ocular segment.     

The one-month effects of topical betaxolol, dorzolamide and apraclonidine on ocular blood flow velocities in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: This double-masked, prospective and randomized clinical trial was planned to investigate with color Doppler imaging the 1-month vascular effects of betaxolol, dorzolamide and apraclonidine treatment on patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: 22 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed POAG between the ages of 46 and 72 years were enrolled in this study. All patients were newly diagnosed cases and had not received any antiglaucoma medication before. Patients who had a systemic vascular disease (including systemic hypertension) or were taking beta-blockers, nitrates or calcium channel blockers were excluded from the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. Groups A and B contained 7 patients, group C contained 8 patients. Group A patients were treated with topical betaxolol, group B patients received topical dorzolamide eye drops, and group C patients were treated with topical apraclonidine eye drops. Peak systolic velocities (PSV), end-diastolic velocities (EDV) and resistive indices (RI) in the right ophthalmic arteries (OA), central retinal arteries (CRA) and posterior ciliary arteries (PCA) were measured at baseline by using color Doppler imaging on a masked basis. On days 15 and 30 of treatment, the same measurements were repeated. The inter- and intragroup results were compared statistically. RESULTS: Compared to pretreatment measurements, topical betaxolol therapy significantly decreased PSV only in the PCA and only on day 30 of treatment (p = 0.011). On days 15 and 30, dorzolamide decreased RI measurements in the PCA compared to pretreatment measurement (p = 0.013 and p = 0.011, respectively). Apraclonidine also decreased PSV in the OA on days 15 and 30 of treatment when compared to pretreatment values (p = 0.013 and p = 0.012, respectively). When 15-day measurements were compared between the groups, PSV in the OA were significantly higher in dorzolamide-treated patients compared to other groups (p = 0.01 and p = 0.011). On day 30 of treatment, PSV in the OA was also higher in the dorzolamide-treated group than the other groups (p = 0.012 and p = 0.01). Additionally, apraclonidine-treated patients had a significantly lower EDV in the OA than the other groups (p = 0.013 and p = 0.01). The RI in the OA was also significantly lower in the apraclonidine-treated group compared to the other groups (p = 0.01 and p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that dorzolamide has the most advantageous 1-month effects on blood flow velocity in the retrobulbar arterial circulation of POAG patients. Betaxolol seems superior to apraclonidine in this regard. Our data may help the clinician when treating patients with POAG medically. Further studies using a larger population size may clarify our results.     

The association of ocular blood flow with haemorheological parameters in primary open‐angle and exfoliative glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the ocular blood flow velocities and haemorheological parameters in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and to compare their results with those of healthy controls. Methods: Twenty‐five patients with POAG (group 1), 25 patients with XFG (group 2), 25 patients with XFS (group 3) and 25 healthy controls (group 4) were included in the study. Ocular blood flow velocities of ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) were measured using colour Doppler imaging (CDI). Haemorheological parameters (erythrocyte elongation and aggregation index, aggregation amplitude, aggregation half‐life, plasma viscosity, haematocrit) were measured in venous blood samples of all patients. Results: The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end‐diastolic velocity (EDV) values were lower and resistive indices (RI) were higher for the OA, CRA and SPCA of glaucomatous (groups 1 and 2) patients compared with those of controls (group 4) (PSV: OA, 40.4 ± 11.3 versus 52.6 ± 12.8 cm/second, p < 0.001; CRA, 12.9 ± 2.9 versus 15.3 ± 4.2 cm/second, p = 0.02; SPCA, 21.7 ± 6.6 versus 26.6 ± 8.3 cm/second, p = 0.013) (EDV: OA, 10.3 ± 4.3 versus 14.2 ± 5.1 cm/second, p < 0.001; CRA, 3.7 ± 1.1 versus 4.5 ± 1.3 cm/second, p = 0.025; SPCA, 5.2 ± 1.8 versus 7.7 ± 3.2 cm/second, p = 0.001) (RI: OA, 0.75 ± 0.05 versus 0.66 ± 0.07, p < 0.001; CRA, 0.73 ± 0.08 versus 0.68 ± 0.10, p = 0.223; SPCA, 0.70 ± 0.10 versus 0.63 ± 0.11, p = 0.004). There were no statistically significant differences between the haemorheological parameters of glaucomatous and non‐glaucomatous patients. The reduction in ocular blood flow velocities in groups 1, 2 and 3 were not associated with changes in haemorheological parameters. Conclusion: Our results suggest that impairment of the retrobulbar blood flow in POAG and XFG is not associated with alterations in haemorheological parameters.     

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。     

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of dorzolamide 2% when added to brimonidine 0.2% or timolol maleate 0.5% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of dorzolamide when added to brimonidine or timolol in patients with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a 1-year prospective open-label clinical trial of 48 consecutive POAG patients with inadequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control while using brimonidine 0.2% (23 patients) and timolol 0.5% (25 patients), 2 times daily. Patients were assigned to receive dorzolamide 2% as adjunctive therapy, added 3 times daily to brimonidine or timolol. IOP was measured on week 2, and months 3, 6, 9, and 12. RESULTS: A significant reduction in IOP from the baseline was observed after dorzolamide use in both groups at visits during that year (P < 0.001). Overall, mean IOP reduction was 5.6 +/- 1.9 mmHg with the brimonidine-dorzolamide combination, and 6.8 +/- 1.7 mmHg with timolol-dorzolamide after 1 year of treatment; the difference was significant (P = 0.029). No statistical differences existed between the groups for adverse events (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of dorzolamide to brimonidine or timolol has significant IOP-lowering efficacy during 1 year in patients with POAG whose IOPs were inadequately controlled with brimonidine or timolol alone. The IOP-lowering effect of the timolol-dorzolamide combination at 1 year was more pronounced than brimonidine-dorzolamide. Both combinations were well-tolerated by the patients.     

Water-drinking test in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma while treated with different topical medications.

OBJECTIVE: Reduction and diurnal stabilization of the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is the mainstay of treatment for glaucoma. Fluctuations of IOP in glaucomatous patients can also be induced by the osmotic variations caused by water ingestion. Such influence can be studied by means of the water-drinking test (WDT). The aim of this study was to perform the WDT in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) while they were being treated with different IOP-lowering medications, to test the effect of drugs with different mechanisms of action on the ability to maintain a stable IOP. METHODS: A total of 280 POAG patients were enrolled, 40 patients per group for each of the tested medications (timolol, dorzolamide, brinzolamide, travoprost,latanoprost, bimatoprost, and brimonidine). After baseline IOP measurement, all patients underwent WDT (1000 mL of water in 10 min). The IOP was measured at 15-min intervals until the return of IOP to baseline values. The main outcomes measured were mean IOP peak, mean IOP percentage increase, and mean time for returning to baseline IOP value. RESULTS: The highest mean IOP peak was found with timolol, whereas no difference was found among the other drugs. The highest mean IOP percentage increase was found with timolol, whereas bimatoprost showed an IOP percentage increase significantly lower than latanoprost, dorzolamide, and brinzolamide. The duration of IOP increase was shortest for bimatoprost and longest for timolol. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that topical medications that enhance outflow (e.g., bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost, and brimonidine) may provide, under stressful conditions such as the WDT, better IOP stabilization than medications that decrease aqueous humor inflow, such as timolol and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.     

Effects of topical hypotensive drugs on circadian IOP, blood pressure, and calculated diastolic ocular perfusion pressure in patients with glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term effects of timolol 0.5%, brimonidine 0.2%, dorzolamide 2%, and latanoprost 0.005% on intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), and diastolic ocular perfusion pressure (DOPP), calculated as the difference between the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and IOP. METHODS: According to a 4 x 4 Latin squares design for repeated measures, 27 untreated patients and patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were treated with timolol 0.5% at 8 AM and 8 PM; brimonidine 0.2% at 8 AM and 8 PM; dorzolamide 2% at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 8 PM; and latanoprost 0.005% at 8 PM. The duration of each treatment course was 6-weeks, with a 4-week washout between each treatment. IOP and BP were measured at baseline and at the end of each treatment period. IOP was measured every 2 hours throughout a 24-hour period. Sitting IOP was measured from 8 AM to 10 PM by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Supine IOP was assessed from 12 to 6 AM by means of a handheld electronic tonometer (TonoPen XL; Mentor, Norwell, MA). BP monitoring was performed by means of an automated portable device (TM-2430; A & D Co., Saitama, Japan). RESULTS: All the drugs tested decreased the IOP significantly at all time points in comparison with baseline pressure. The mean 24-hour IOP after latanoprost administration (16.62+/-0.98 mm Hg) was significantly lower than that after timolol, brimonidine, or dorzolamide (P=0.0001). During the 24-hour period, brimonidine induced a significant decrease in systolic BP (SBP) and DBP at all time points when compared with baseline measurements and with those after administration of the other drugs (P<0.0001). Timolol caused a significant decrease in DBP and SBP at all the 24-hour time points when compared with the baseline and with the dorzolamide- and latanoprost-induced changes (P<0.0001). The mean 24-hour DOPPs were 50.7+/-5.9 mm Hg at baseline, 53+/-5.5 mm Hg with timolol, 46.2+/-5.4 mm Hg with brimonidine, 55.9+/-4.6 mm Hg with dorzolamide, and 56.4+/-4.9 mm Hg with latanoprost. Brimonidine induced a significant decrease in the mean 24-hour DOPP compared with that at baseline (P<0.0001), whereas dorzolamide and latanoprost induced a significant increase (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost seemed to induce a uniform reduction in IOP during the 24-hour period, although timolol was as effective as latanoprost during the daytime, and dorzolamide are as effective as latanoprost at night. SBP and DBP were significantly decreased by either timolol or brimonidine. In this study of patients with newly diagnosed POAG, only dorzolamide and latanoprost significantly increased mean 24-hour DOPP.     

Ocular pulse amplitude, intraocular pressure and beta blocker/carbonic anhydrase inhibition in combined therapy of primary open-angle glaucoma

BACKGROUND: Beyond intraocular pressure (IOP, German abbreviation: IOD) ocular perfusion is increasingly discussed in the pathogenesis of the glaucomas. The present study was designed to investigate for ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in primary open angle glaucoma patients with elevated intraocular pressure (POAG, German abbreviation: POWG) following application of timolol, a beta-blocker and dorzolamide a topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. METHODS: OPA (Ocular Blood Flow System, OBF Labs U.K.) IOP, heart rate, systolic and diastolic brachial artery pressures were measured before and 4 weeks following application of timolol and additional 4 weeks following application of a timolol/dorzolamide combination in 14 POAG patients. RESULTS: Following administration of timolol, IOP was highly significantly reduced in drug treated POAG eyes; this effect was additively enhanced by dorzolamide. Timolol did not affect OPA, whereas dorzolamide significantly increased OPA in drug treated POAG eyes. Systemic perfusion parameters were unchanged. CONCLUSION: Timolol and dorzolamide drastically reduced IOP, in addition dorzolamide increased OPA in POAG, an ocular microcirculatory effect which may further help to improve prognosis of POAG.     

Effects of timolol and dorzolamide on retrobulbar hemodynamics in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma

The authors considered a group of patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma studying the effects of a 4-week treatment with timolol or dorzolamide on retrobulbar vessels. Ocular hemodynamics were assessed by means of color Doppler imaging of the ophthalmic artery, the temporal short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) and the central retinal artery. For each vessel, systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities were measured, and the resistivity index (RI) was calculated. The only significant result was a reduction of temporal SPCA RI after dorzolamide treatment in comparison with baseline (p = 0.011). In the same group, dorzolamide treatment had a slight and nonsignificant increase in temporal SPCA diastolic velocity. The resistance decrease observed after dorzolamide treatment in the ciliary circulation may be due to the decrease in intraocular pressure or a possible direct vasodilating effect of the drug.     

Ocular comfort of brinzolamide 1.0% ophthalmic suspension compared with dorzolamide 2.0% ophthalmic solution: results from two multicenter comfort studies. Brinzolamide Comfort Study Group

Two independent, prospective, multicenter, double-masked, parallel group trials were conducted to compare the ocular comfort of brinzolamide 1.0% administered three times daily (t.i.d.) with t.i.d.-dosed dorzolamide 2.0% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Patients were randomized to one of two treatment groups, receiving either brinzolamide 1.0% t.i.d. or dorzolamide 2.0% t.i.d. for 1 week. On the last day of dosing, patients received one drop of masked medication in both eyes, and ocular discomfort (burning or stinging) was evaluated by means of a 4-unit ocular discomfort scale. The incidence and extent of ocular discomfort across both treatment groups were analyzed. The results from both studies were confirmatory and demonstrated that the ocular discomfort score for brinzolamide 1.0% was 1.3 units lower than the score for dorzolamide 2.0%, which was both statistically significant and clinically relevant. In addition, a statistically significantly greater percentage of patients reported no ocular discomfort with brinzolamide 1.0% compared with dorzolamide. A greater percentage of patients receiving dorzolamide 2.0% also reported mild, moderate, severe, and very severe ocular discomfort compared with those treated with brinzolamide 1.0%. The most frequent ocular adverse event reported in the brinzolamide group was transient blurred vision, which ranged from 20% to 25%. Overall, adverse events associated with brinzolamide 1.0% and dorzolamide 2.0% were nonserious, were usually mild, and resolved without treatment. The findings of each study independently demonstrated that brinzolamide 1.0% was significantly more comfortable than dorzolamide 2.0% when instilled in the eye.     

川芎嗪对术后眼压正常的原发性慢性闭角型青光眼血流动力学的影响

目的探讨川芎嗪对术后眼压正常的原发性慢性闭角型青光眼(primary chronic angle closure glaucoma,PCACG)血流动力学的影响。方法选择2010年1月至2011年12月于我院就诊的PCACG患者40例(54眼),均已行手术治疗,且眼压控制在21mmHg(1kPa=7.5mmHg)以下,随机分为治疗组20例(26眼)和对照组20例(28眼)。对照组术后应用维生素B12注射液50μg肌肉注射;治疗组在对照组的基础上予川芎嗪注射液160mg加入50g·L-1葡萄糖250mL静脉滴注。观察治疗组、对照组治疗前后眼部血流动力学变化。血流动力学指标包括眼动脉(ocular artery,OA)、睫状后短动脉(short posterior ciliary ar-tery,SPCA)、视网膜中央动脉(central retinal artery,CRA)的收缩期峰值流速(peak systolic velocity,PSV)、舒张末期流速(end di-astolic velocity,EDV)、时间平均最大血流速(time averaged maximum velocity,TAMV)和阻力指数(resistance index,RI)等。结果治疗组治疗后OA和CRA的PSV、EDV、RI、TAMV较治疗前均有一定程度改善,但差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05);SPCA的PSV、EDV、TAMV无明显改善,差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05),RI显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。对照组治疗后OA、SPCA和CRA的PSV、EDV、RI、TAMV较治疗前均无明显变化,差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05)。治疗组治疗后与对照组治疗后比较,OA和CRA的PSV、EDV、RI、TAMV有一定改善,但差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05);SPCA的PSV、EDV、TAMV有一定程度改善,但差异均无统计学意义(均为P>0.05),RI显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论川芎嗪能改善PCACG术后眼压控制在正常范围内患者眼部血流动力学,降低SPCA的RI。     

青光眼小梁切除术前后眼部血流动力学变化的研究

目的:比较青光眼32眼小梁切除术前后的血流动力学变化。方法:利用彩色多普勒成像技术(CDI)分别检测正常对照组与青光眼组术前、术后2,12wk的眼部血流情况,包括眼动脉(OA)、睫状后短动脉(SPCA)和视网膜中央动脉(CRA)的收缩期峰值血流速度(PSV)、舒张末期血流速度(EDV)和阻力指数(RI)。结果:(1)青光眼组手术前后比较:青光眼组在小梁切除术后血流灌注明显好转,表现为PSV,EDV增高,RI下降;(2)青光眼术后组之间比较:PSV,EDV,RI有改变,但差异无统计学意义;(3)青光眼组术后与正常对照组比较:青光眼组在小梁切除术后眼压降至正常范围时OA,SPCA,CRA的PSV,EDV和RI仍不及正常人(P<0.05);(4)青光眼组术前与正常对照组比较:OA,SPCA,CRA均表现为PSV,EDV下降,RI增高(P<0.01)。结论:(1)青光眼患者与正常人相比较存在明显的血流灌注不足,小梁切除术可以有效的改善眼部血流灌注情况;(2)CDI可长期用于监测和评价青光眼小梁切除术的治疗效果。     

Retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hemodynamic parameters in the retrobulbar vessels in pseudoexfoliative syndrome (PXS), pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG), and age-matched healthy subjects by using color Doppler imaging (CDI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 72 eyes from 72 patients with PXS, 70 eyes from 70 patients with PXG, and 66 eyes from 66 age-matched healthy subjects who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and Pourcelot resistance index (RI) were assessed in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and temporal short-posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA). Visual function was assessed using the 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA). The main outcomes of the study were PSV, EDV and RI in the OA, SPCA, and CRA. RESULTS: The EDV in the OA, SPCA and the CRA was decreased significantly (p < 0.001, <0.001, and 0.003 respectively) in the eyes of PXG patients compared with controls and PSX respectively. The RI in the OA, SPCA, and the CRA was significantly higher (p = 0.022, 0.005, and 0.007 respectively) in the eyes of PXG patients compared with healthy controls and PSX patients respectively. The mean difference in mean EDV in the OA between the control group and the PXS was 0.18 cm/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.60 to 0.95, p = 0.661. The mean difference in mean EDV in the SPCA between the control healthy subjects and the pseudoexfoliative subjects was -0.18 cm/s, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.08, p = 0.176. Multivariate regression analysis showed that in the PXG patients the PSV and EDV in the CRA were significantly positively correlated with the mean defect (p = 0.006 and 0.002 respectively). The RI in the CRA was significantly negatively correlated with the mean defect in PXG patients, p = 0.009. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the retrobulbar hemodynamics might be disturbed in patients with PXG, especially in the central retinal artery. Our results have found no significant differences in the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters between pseudoexfoliative syndrome patients and age-matched healthy subjects.     

The efficacy and ocular discomfort of substituting brinzolamide for dorzolamide in combination therapy with latanoprost, timolol, and dorzolamide.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was evaluate the efficacy and ocular discomfort of substituting brinzolamide for dorzolamide in patients with glaucoma treated by latanoprost, timolol, and dorzolamide. METHODS: An 8-week, prospective, randomized, open-label, comparative study was performed in 58 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma treated by latanoprost, timolol, and dorzolamide. These patients were randomly enrolled into two groups: (1) dorzolamide three times daily was substituted with brinzolamide twice-daily (substituting group); and (2) dorzolamide three times daily was continued (control group). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks after the enrollment. Subjective ocular discomfort (irritation and blurred vision) at the time of the instillation of the patient was noted with interview. RESULTS: The IOPs at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks after the enrollment were 17.7 +/- 2.7 mmHg, 17.5 +/- 2.6 mmHg, and 17.4 +/- 2.9 mmHg in the substituting group, and 18.0 +/- 2.5 mmHg, 17.8 +/- 2.5 mmHg, and 17.9 +/- 2.6 mmHg in the control group, respectively. There were no significant differences in IOP changes between the two groups (P = 0.74). In the substituting group, ocular irritation was decreased significantly (P = 0.0014) from 63% to 20%. The slight increase of blurred vision from 27% to 37% that occurred in the substituting group was not significant (P = 0.58). In the control group, neither ocular irritation (P = 0.58, from 68% to 57%) nor blurred vision (P = 0.99, from 25% to 21%) was changed. CONCLUSIONS: Substituting brinzolamide for dorzolamide maintained stable IOP with improvement in ocular comfort in patients with glaucoma.     

Comparisons of intraocular-pressure- lowering efficacy and side effects of 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide

Forty-one healthy volunteers were recruited for a study to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and side effects of 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide. In a randomized double-blind design, one eye received one drop of 2% dorzolamide and the other eye received one drop of 1% brinzolamide. The IOP and side effects were evaluated by Goldmann applanation tonometry and slit lamp biomicroscopy before administration, and 3, 7 and 14 days after the initial administration of eyedrops. The IOP decreased significantly from baseline for both drugs (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide either before or after eyedrop administration (p > 0.05). The most frequent side effect was ocular pain in the case of 2% dorzolamide and blurred vision in 1% brinzolamide. The results suggested that 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide have similar IOP-lowering efficacies with different side effects Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel     

Ocular comfort of combination glaucoma therapies: brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% compared with dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5%.

PURPOSE: Successful management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension requires patient compliance with the therapeutic regimen. Because ocular discomfort affects compliance, we compared the comfort of brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% and dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5%. METHODS: In this single-centre, randomized, double-masked, internally controlled/paired-eye study, 30 subjects without a significant ocular surface disease received brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% in 1 eye and dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% in the fellow eye. They evaluated discomfort at 30-40 s and 5 min postinstillation. RESULTS: At 30-40 s, brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% provided significantly lower mean ocular discomfort scores than dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% (P < 0.0001). This pattern persisted at 5 min but was not statistically significant. Significant differences were seen in the subjects' determination of the more comfortable treatment (P < 0.0001): brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% was rated as more comfortable than dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% by 80% of subjects at 30-40 s and by 27% at 5 min. Only 10% of subjects at each time point rated dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% as more comfortable. The remaining subjects reported no preference at either time point. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% was significantly more comfortable than dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% upon instillation. Patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma may be more compliant with brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% treatment.     

Comparative study of the pressure lowering efficacy and variations in the ocular pulse amplitude between fixed combinations of dorzolamide/timolol and brinzolamide/timolol

ObjectiveTo determine possible differences in the intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) lowering capacity of the fixed drug combinations dorzolamide/timolol and brinzolamide/timolol.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, one of the eyes of 25 healthy subjects was randomly assigned to treatment with dorzolamide/timolol and the other eye with brinzolamide/timolol. After instilling the drops, possible adverse effects (e.g., blurred vision, itching) were assessed in each eye. This assessment was repeated 30 minutes later. IOP and OPA were determined In each eye by dynamic contour tonometry at baseline and two hours following treatment.ResultsBoth fixed drug combinations significantly reduced IOP and OPA with no differences detected between treatment groups. Among the adverse effects recorded, itching was significantly greater in the first assessment in the eyes treated with dorzolamide/timolol (P = .011). This difference was no longer apparent in the second assessment.ConclusionsBoth fixed combinations were similarly effective in reducing intraocular pressure and ocular pulse amplitude. Adverse effects related to both treatments were mild and well-tolerated, though itching occurred most frequently in the eyes treated with dorzolamide/timolol.     

复明片联合马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液治疗开角型青光眼

目的：探讨复明片联合马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液治疗开角型青光眼的临床疗效。

方法：选择2017-04/2018-07于本院接受治疗的82例147眼开角型青光眼患者作为研究对象,根据治疗手段不同分为对照组41例72眼及观察组41例75眼。对照组予以马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液进行治疗,观察组在对照组基础上予以复明片治疗。观察两组患者临床疗效,对治疗前后眼压、血液流变学进行比较分析。

结果：治疗12wk后,观察组与对照组间的临床总有效率(94.7% vs 80.6%)比较有差异(P<0.05); 两组患者眼压均明显低于治疗6wk后及治疗前(P<0.05),且观察组眼压显著低于对照组(P<0.05); 对照组PSV、EDV及RI与治疗前无差异(P>0.05); 观察组PSV、EDV显著高于治疗前(P<0.05),而RI显著低于治疗前(P<0.05),且两组PSV、EDV及RI比较有差异(P<0.05)。两组患者总不良反应发生率比较无差异(P>0.05)。

结论：复明片联合马来酸噻吗洛尔滴眼液可有效改善患者的临床疗效,降眼压作用显著,同时对患者眼部血液流变学改善效果良好,安全可靠。