Effect of dorzolamide timolol combination versus timolol 0.5% on ocular bloodflow in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: Addition of dorzolamide to timolol in primary open-angle glaucoma shows augmented reduction of intraocular pressure. It is unknown as yet if addition of dorzolamide will alter hemodynamics. METHODS: Fifteen patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were placed on a medication-dependent 1-week to 4-week washout that included maintenance on timolol. After washout, baseline measurements were taken (timolol). They were studied after a month on timolol or dorzolamide-timolol (Cosopt; Merck, Inc, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey), with the second drug preceded by another month of timolol maintenance and second baseline measurements. At each visit, visual function, intraocular pressure, and ocular hemodynamics were monitored, including indocyanine green and fluorescein angiography and color Doppler imaging. RESULTS: Cosopt significantly reduced intraocular pressure (14.7 to 13.4 mm Hg, P <.05) and increased arteriovenous passage time (superior temporal artery) of fluorescein dye (2.13 to 1.76 seconds, P =.01) but had no effect on visual function. CONCLUSIONS: When compared with timolol in primary open-angle glaucoma, Cosopt augments ocular tension reduction and reduces the amount of time required for blood to pass through the superior retinal vasculature.     

2%美开朗与0.5%噻吗心安滴眼液治疗开角型青光眼与高眼压症的临床对照研究

目的以噻吗心安滴眼液作对照,在原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压症患者中评价美开朗滴眼液的降眼压、内在拟交感活性作用。方法选择开角型青光眼和高眼压症患者50例50眼,随机分为美开朗组和噻吗心安组2组,各25例25眼。美开朗组滴用2%美开朗眼液,噻吗心安组滴用0.5%噻吗心安眼液,一日2次,共12周,比较两种滴眼液的降眼压作用及局部和全身副作用。结果两组患者用药后眼压均下降,与用药前相比均有显著性差异(P<0.01)。两组间眼压下降值无显著性差异(P>0.05)。用药12周,美开朗组心率平均降低3.6次,噻吗心安组心率平均降低6.5次,两者相比有显著性差异。结论美开朗滴眼液对开角型青光眼和高眼压症患者具有明显的降眼压作用,和噻吗心安滴眼液局部降眼压作用相同,但对心率的抑制作用比噻吗心安小。     

曲伏前列素和噻吗心安治疗开角型青光眼和高眼压症的对照研究

目的:以噻吗心安为对照,观察曲伏前列素滴眼液降眼压效果及安全性。方法:采用随机对照法,0.04g/L曲伏前列素滴眼液1次/d或5g/L噻吗心安滴眼液2次/d,治疗原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压症,共34例,疗程12wk,观察眼压及不良反应。未发现其他眼部改变和全身副作用。结果:试验组平均日间眼压以24.83±2.97mmHg降至16.13±2.92mmHg;对照组从23.96±3.62mmHg降至16.14±2.97mmHg。试验组结膜充血较对照组明显增加。结论:曲伏前列素滴眼液对控制原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压症的眼压是有效和安全的。     

开角型青光眼小梁切除前后搏动性眼血流量比较研究

目的：以OBF仪对开角型青光眼（primary open angle glaucoma,POAG)患者手术前后的搏动性眼血流量（pulsatile ocular blood flow,POBF）值及眼压进行测量，探讨POAG患者行小梁切除术后眼内血流变化。方法：本院诊断及手术治疗的POAG患者39例39眼，均在本院行小梁切除术，术中加用0．2g.．L^-1丝裂霉素C(mitomycin C,MMC)抗瘢痕，测量项目包括搏动眼血流量，脉搏周期内眼压变化值（pulse amplitude of IOP,PA IOP）,脉搏周期内眼容积变化值（pulse amplitude of volume,PV）,心率（pulse/heart rate,HR），最大眼压（Max-IOP），最小眼压（Min-IOP），平均眼压（Max-IOP Min-IOP）/2,Average IOP(Ave-IOP),手术前测量时间为药物治疗前，手术后测量时间为手术后1－2周，手术前后比较采用配对t检验，Ave-IOP的变化值与OBF的变化值作相关分析，结果：POAG患者手术后POBF，PV增高，Ave-IOP降低，差异有统计学,意义，Ave-IOP的变化值与OBF的变化之间有相关关系r=0.674,t=5.552,P=0.000，结论：POAG患者行小梁切除术后眼压降低有助于眼血流改善，但并不意味着所有POAG患者眼血流都得到改善，推测POAG发病部分原因是血管自身调节功能及供血异常。     

A comparison of betaxolol and timolol in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

In a randomized, double-masked study, 41 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension were treated with betaxolol 0.5% or timolol 0.5% drops for 26 weeks. The average decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP) over the total study period was significant with both betaxolol (-6.3 mmHg) and timolol (-7.2 mmHg) in patients receiving no adjunctive therapy. There was no difference between betaxolol and timolol with respect to changes from baseline IOP. Significantly decreased mean brachial arterial pressure (MAP) was seen only with timolol, although the difference between the two groups was not significant. Pulse, pupil size, and basal tear secretion were unchanged in both groups. Burning upon instillation of the drops was more frequent with betaxolol.     

Management of ocular hypertension and primary open angle glaucoma

Background : Glaucoma and pcular hypertension are among the most common pathologies encountered in clinical practice. Within the next 20 years, patients with these two problems will increase threefold as the population ages. The growing burden of glaucoma worldwide will also become a significant public health problem. The effective management of glaucoma will require the introduction of new screening strategies and better therapeutic approaches to these disorders. Methods : Our current understanding of the epidemiology of primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension is reviewed. Diagnosis and treatment strategies are discussed in the context of the current best available clinical trial and laboratory data. Results : While few patients with ocular hypertension will require therapy, it is the conventional practice to lower the intraocular pressure by at least one‐third once glaucomatous optic neuropathy is detected. Topical beta‐adrenergic antagonists have been the preferred first‐line therapy for primary open angle glaucoma for the past 20 years, but with the advent of topical prostaglandin analogues and alpha‐2 agonists, the effectiveness of medical therapy has improved significantly. The decision to perform glaucoma filtering surgery or laser trabeculoplasty must be carefully considered and based on the past response to medication, the extent and rate of progression of any visual field loss, and on the life expectancy and wishes of the patient. Conclusion : The treatment of chronic glaucoma is directed at preserving vision and interfering with the quality of life of the patient as little as possible. Many older patients who develop primary open angle glaucoma may have a limited life expectancy and do not require aggressive medical therapy or surgery. Many new medications have become available that permit less frequent dosing with fewer local and systemic side‐effects. In the near future, therapies that address the underlying molecular basis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy might become available and further reduce the risk of glaucoma blindness.     

Bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination (BTFC) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension in Greece

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the fixed combination of bimatoprost 0.03% and timolol 0.5% (BTFC) in patients in Greece with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) whose previous therapy provided insufficient lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, open-label, non-interventional, observational study of the use of BTFC in clinical practice was conducted at 41 sites in Greece. The primary endpoint was the reduction in IOP from baseline at study end, approximately 12wk after initiation of BTFC therapy. RESULTS: A total of 785 eligible patients were enrolled in the study and 97.6% completed the study. The mean±SD IOP reduction from baseline at 12wk after initiation of BTFC was 6.3±2.8 mm Hg (n=764; P<0.001). In patients (n=680) who replaced their previous IOP-lowering monotherapy (a single drug, or a fixed combination of 2 drugs in a single ophthalmic drop) with once-daily BTFC, the mean±SD IOP reduction from baseline at 12wk was 6.2±2.8 mm Hg (P<0.001). IOP was reduced from baseline in 99.2% of patients, and 58.0% of patients reached or exceeded their target IOP. Substantial mean IOP reductions were observed regardless of the previous therapy. BTFC was well tolerated, with 96.0% of patients who completed the study rating the tolerability of BTFC as “good” or “very good.” Adverse events were reported in 8.3% of patients; only 0.6% of patients discontinued the study due to adverse events. CONCLUSION: In clinical practice in Greece, BTFC is well tolerated and effectively lower the IOP in patients with POAG or OHT who requires additional IOP lowering on their previous therapy.     

拉坦前列素联合噻吗心安对开角型青光眼视觉功能、眼压、眼血流的影响

目的：：研究拉坦前列素联合噻吗心安治疗方案对开角型青光眼视觉功能、眼压、眼血流的影响。方法：将2012-01/2014-05期间在我院眼科收治的开角型青光眼患者50例59眼纳入研究对象,采用数字表法随机分为观察组和对照组,观察组患者给予拉坦前列素联合噻吗心安治疗,对照组患者给予噻吗心安治疗,比较两组患者的视觉功能、眼压、眼血流情况。结果：治疗后1,2,3,4wk,观察组患眼白天平均眼压、夜间平均眼压均明显低于对照组,视力水平(0.27±0.03,0.36±0.06,0.44±0.06,0.63±0.13)明显高于对照组;观察组患眼的收缩期峰值血流速度(14.41±1.73cm/s)、舒张末期血流速度(4.18±0.67cm/s)均明显高于对照组,血管阻力指数(0.58±0.07)明显低于对照组。结论：拉坦前列素联合噻吗心安能够更为有效降低眼压,增加视网膜中央动脉的血流量,降低血管阻力,改善视力水平。     

Effect of timolol, latanoprost, and dorzolamide on circadian IOP in glaucoma or ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: To compare the around-the-clock intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction induced by timolol 0.5%, latanoprost 0.005%, and dorzolamide in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). METHODS: In this crossover trial, 20 patients with POAG (n = 10) or OHT (n = 10) were treated with timolol, latanoprost, and dorzolamide for 1 month. The treatment sequence was randomized. All patients underwent measurements for four 24-hour tonometric curves: at baseline and after each 1-month period of treatment. The patients were admitted to the hospital, and IOP was measured by two well-trained evaluators masked to treatment assignment. Measurements were taken at 3, 6, and 9 AM and noon and at 3, 6, and 9 PM and midnight by handheld electronic tonometer (TonoPen XL; Bio-Rad, Glendale, CA) with the patient supine and sitting, and a Goldmann applanation tonometer (Haag-Streit, Bern, Switzerland) with the patient sitting at the slit lamp. Systemic blood pressure was recorded at the same times. The between-group differences were tested for significance by means of parametric analysis of variance. The circadian IOP curve of a small group of untreated healthy young subjects was also recorded using the same procedures. To compare the circadian IOP rhythms in the POAG-OHT and control groups, the acrophases for each subject were calculated. RESULTS: When Goldmann sitting values were considered, all the drugs significantly reduced IOP in comparison with baseline at all times, except for timolol at 3 AM. Latanoprost was more effective in lowering IOP than timolol at 3, 6, and 9 AM (P = 0.03), noon (P = 0.01), 9 PM, and midnight (P = 0.05) and was more effective than dorzolamide at 9 AM, noon (P = 0.03), and 3 and 6 PM (P = 0.04). Timolol was more effective than dorzolamide at 3 PM (P = 0.05), whereas dorzolamide performed better than timolol at midnight and 3 AM (P = 0.05). An ancillary finding of this study was that in the group of healthy subjects, the pattern of IOP curve was different that in patients with eye disease. CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost seemed to lead to a fairly uniform circadian reduction in IOP, whereas timolol seemed to be less effective during the nighttime hours. Dorzolamide was less effective than latanoprost but led to a significant reduction in nocturnal IOP. The reason for the difference in the pattern of the IOP curve of healthy subjects is currently unknown and deserves further investigation.     

拉坦前列素和噻吗心安治疗开角型青光眼、高眼压症的对照研究

目的：观察Ｌａｔａｎｏｐｒｏｓｔ的降眼压效果及安全性。方法：采用随机分组对照组,０．００５％Ｌａｔａｎｏｐｒｏｓｔ每日一次或０．５％Ｔｉｍｏｌｏｌ（噻吗心安）每日２次,治疗原发性开角型青光眼、高眼压症和剥脱性青光眼,共１４例,疗程１２周,观察其眼压及不良反应。结果：Ｌａｔａｎｏｐｒｏｓｔ组和Ｔｉｍｏｌｏｌ组均可有效地降低眼压（Ｐ〈０．０１）,两组间眼压下降值没有差异。两组治疗前后不同时间点眼压下降     

拉坦前列素与噻吗心安治疗国人开角型青光眼和高眼压症有效性安全性Meta分析

目的：系统评价拉坦前列素(Latanoprost)滴眼液与噻吗心安(Timolol)滴眼液降眼压的有效性和安全性。

方法：计算机检索PubMed,Medline,CNKI及中国生物医学文献数据库收录的,并辅以手工检索、因特网搜索的有关拉坦前列素与噻吗心安治疗原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压症的随机对照试验(RCT)。按照纳入和排除标准限定研究对象,通过Jadad评分量表进行文献质量评估后,针对眼压下降比例、药物不良反应2项内容,使用Cochrane协作网提供的RevMan 5.0软件进行Meta分析。

结果：共纳入9项RCT,合计555例患者。Meta分析结果显示：(1)拉坦前列素滴眼液与噻吗心安滴眼液降眼压效果,在 2,6,12wk时差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01),加权平均差(WMD)分别为：在2wk\,在6wk\和12wk\。(2)随访结束时,结膜充血、异物感为拉坦前列素的两种较为常见的不良反应, 但其发生率拉坦前列素组与噻吗心安组比较, 结膜充血的发生率\〖OR=2.25,95% CI(0.99,5.08)\〗,异物感的发生率\〖OR=2.48,95% CI(1.02,6.03)\〗,显示二者差异均无统计学意义。

结论：治疗原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压症,拉坦前列素降眼压效果在用药12wk内较噻吗心安好; 两者在12wk内引起结膜充血、异物感、虹膜色素加深、视野损害等的不良反应方面,差异不明显。由于纳入研究的样本量偏小,且方法学质量中等,致使本系统评价结果论证强度不高,因此还需要开展更多的高质量的临床随机对照研究,以便更客观、准确、全面地评价其疗效和安全性。     

A follow-up study of pupillary dynamics in patients with ocular hypertension and primary open angle glaucoma

The authors previously reported light reflex abnormalities and adrenergic supersensitivity to topical epinephrine (DPE; dipivalyl epinephrine) of the pupils in patients with ocular hypertension (OH) and those with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). In this investigation, we attempted to reconfirm pupillary light reflex abnormalities we reported previously, and to investigate the relationship between the normotensive effect of 0.1% DPE and the pupillary light reflex abnormalities in OHs and POAGs. A total of 11 OHs and 11 POAGs under good oculotensive control with neither mydriatics nor miotics were examined. They were measured by an open-loop photically stimulated infrared videopupilogram, and were neurologically diagnosed by comparing the simulated patterns of the light reflex made by topical autonomic agents. When we considered the progress of the stage of POAG, both OHs and POAGs showed satisfactory reproducibility of pupillary light reflex abnormalities. Other cases in which light reflexes altered, showed worsening of the visual field deficit, which was prominent when OHs developed into POAG. OHs with significant reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) after topical administration of 0.1% DPE showed various kinds of abnormal pupillary light reflexes. On the contrary, cases with little reduction of IOP after 0.1% DPE instillation showed normal pupillary light reflexes in OHs and afferent pupillary defect on POAGs.     

Pulsatile ocular blood flow in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: To compare pulsatile ocular blood flow measurements in untreated ocular hypertensive (OHT) subjects and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. DESIGN: A prospective observational study in an institutional setting. METHODS: A total of 97 subjects were recruited to the study (50 ocular hypertensives, 24 glaucoma patients, and 23 normal subjects). "High-risk" OHT had intraocular pressure (IOP) > 25 mm Hg; "low-risk" OHT had IOP 相似文献   

拉坦前列腺素与噻吗心安治疗原发性开角型青光眼和高眼压症对照研究

目的　以噻吗心安为对照,评估新型异丙酯前列腺素Ｆ２α的苯基替代衍生物拉坦前列腺素（ＰｈＸＡ４１）对于眼压升高病人的降眼压疗效和副作用。方法　３４ 例（６６ 只眼） 原发性开角型青光眼或高眼压症患者入选,随机分组,１７ 例（３２ 只眼）滴用０．０５ｇ·Ｌ－１ 拉坦前列腺素每天１ 次,１７ 例（３４ 只眼）滴用５ｇ·Ｌ－１ 噻吗心安每天２ 次,共治疗１２ｗｋ。结果　１２ｗｋ治疗期间,两种药物均能有效降低眼压（Ｐ＜ ０－０１） ,且效应持续。各次随访均显示,拉坦前腺素的降眼压效果显著优于噻吗心安（Ｐ＜ ０－０５）。１２ｍｏ 时,拉坦前列腺素组的眼压降低了９－５±３－１ｍ ｍＨｇ（３６－８ ％）（１ｍ ｍＨｇ＝ ０．１３３ｋＰａ） ,噻吗心安组降低了７－４±２－６ｍ ｍＨｇ（２９－６％ ）（ Ｐ＜ ０－０１）。拉坦前列腺素治疗后,少数病例发现角膜上皮点状脱落。噻吗心安组的平均心率减少４ 次·ｍｉｎ－１（Ｐ＜ ０－０５） 。结论　０ ．０５ｇ·Ｌ－１ 拉坦前列腺素每天１ 次与５ｇ·Ｌ－１ 噻吗心安每天２ 次相比,具有更强的降眼压作用,而且耐受性良好。因此,拉坦前列腺素将成为青光眼药物治疗的有效选择。     

Refractive change after dorzolamide use in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate refractive and anterior chamber depth changes after short-term dorzolamide use in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OH). This study was prospective and non-comparative and included 34 patients. Baseline refraction and anterior chamber depth were compared to the refraction and anterior chamber depth 14 days after commencing dorzolamide to determine if refraction or anterior chamber depth had been affected. Before dorzolamide use, the mean refractive error was -0.88 +/- 3.53 D (+/-SD). The mean refractive error was -0.94 +/- 3.65 D (+/-SD) two hours post-dose after 14 days of dorzolamide use, which was not significantly different (P = 0.50). The mean pre-treatment anterior chamber depth was 3.088 +/- 0.385 mm (+/-SD), which did not differ significantly from the post-treatment anterior chamber depth mean of 3.092 +/- 0.389 mm (+/-SD) (P = 0.88). The results of the study show that refraction and anterior chamber depth are not significantly altered by short-term dorzolamide use in patients with POAG and OH with no history of previous dorzolamide use.     

原发性开角型青光眼与正常人群搏动性眼血流量比较研究

目的　探讨原发性开角型青光眼 (POAG)的血流变化规律 ,及其作为诊断指标的敏感性和特异性。方法　选择POAG患者 10 0例 (10 0只眼 ) ,其中男、女各 5 0例 ,均取单眼测量。POAG诊断标准 :(1) 3次不同时间测量眼压值 >2 5mmHg(1mmHg =0 133kPa) ,眼压升高时房角开放 ;(2 ) 2 4h眼压差值 >8mmHg ;(3)典型青光眼性视乳头改变 ;(4)典型青光眼性视野缺损。正常对照者男、女各5 0例 (5 0只眼 ) ,选择条件 :(1)性别相同 ;(2 )年龄相差 <5岁 ;(3)屈光不正 ,屈光度数差异 <± 2 0 0DS。采用搏动性眼血流量 (POBF)测定仪 ,测量项目包括搏动性眼血流量、脉搏周期内眼压变化值(IOPPA)、脉率 (PR)、最大眼压值 (Max Iop)、最小眼压值 (Min IOP)、眼压均值 [(Max IOP Min IOP) /2次眼压均值 (Ave IOP) ]。青光眼组与正常对照组测定数值比较采用配对t检验 ,Ave IOP的变化值及视野检测均值和标准差与POBF的变化值做相关性分析 ;计算POBF值作为诊断指标的特异性和敏感性。结果　POAG组与正常对照组非研究因素有可比性 ,POAG组POBF值为 (9 72± 3 4 7) μl/s ,正常对照组POBF值为 (12 0 4± 4 6 8) μl/s;POAG患者的POBF、PV、PA、Ave IOP值均小于正常对照组 ,差异有显著意义 (P <0 0 5 )。视野检测均值和标准差与PO     

Ocular blood flow and systemic blood pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: There is evidence that altered optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow may play a role in the development and progression of glaucoma. In the present study, the baseline characteristics were examined in a study population participating in a clinical trial in which the ocular hemodynamic effects of timolol and dorzolamide were compared. METHODS: One hundred forty patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) were included in this trial and their baseline parameters compared with those of a group of 102 age-matched control subjects. Scanning laser Doppler flowmetry was used to measure blood flow in the temporal neuroretinal rim and the cup of the ONH. Pulsatile choroidal blood flow was assessed by laser interferometric measurement of fundus pulsation amplitude. In addition, hemodynamic parameters and mean arterial pressure were calculated in both groups. RESULTS: All ocular hemodynamic parameters were significantly lower in the POAG/OHT group compared with the healthy control group (P < 0.001 each). In addition, a significant positive correlation between laser Doppler flowmetry readings and mean arterial pressure was observed in patients with glaucoma but not in healthy control subjects. Likewise, the correlation coefficient between fundus pulsation amplitude and mean arterial pressure was higher in patients with glaucoma than in healthy control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates reduced ONH and choroidal blood flow and an abnormal association between blood pressure and ocular perfusion in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, independent of topical antiglaucoma medication. Hence, vascular dysregulation appears to be an early manifestation in glaucoma that is not caused by pharmacologic intervention.     

Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing latanoprost with timolol in the treatment of patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

AIM: To evaluate the comparative efficacy and tolerance of latanoprost versus timolol through a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: Systematic retrieval of RCTs of latanoprost versus timolol to allow pooling of results from head to head comparison studies. Quality of trials was assessed based on randomisation, masking, and withdrawal. Sensitivity analyses were used to estimate the effects of quality of study on outcomes. The data sources were Medline, Embase, Scientific Citation Index, Merck Glaucoma, and Pharmacia and Upjohn ophthalmology databases. There were 1256 patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension reported in 11 trials of latanoprost versus timolol. The main outcome measures were (i) percentage intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction for efficacy; (ii) relative risk, risk difference, and number needed to harm for side effects such as hyperaemia, conjunctivitis, increased pigmentation, hypotension, and bradycardia expressed as dichotomous outcomes; and (iii) reduction in systemic blood pressure and heart rate as side effects. RESULTS: Both 0.005% latanoprost once daily and 0.5% timolol twice daily reduced IOP. The percentage reductions in IOP from baseline (mean (SE)) produced by latanoprost and timolol were 30.2 (2.3) and 26.9 (3.4) at 3 months. The difference in IOP reduction between the two treatments were 5.0 (95% confidence intervals 2.8, 7.3). However, latanoprost caused iris pigmentation in more patients than timolol (relative risk = 8.01, 95% confidence intervals 1.87, 34.30). The 2 year risk with latanoprost reached 18% (51/277). Hyperaemia was also more often observed with latanoprost (relative risk =2.20, 95% confidence intervals 1.33, 3.64). Timolol caused a significant reduction in heart rate of 4 beats/minute (95% confidence interval 2, 6). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that latanoprost is more effective than timolol in lowering IOP. However, it often causes iris pigmentation. While current evidence suggests that this pigmentation is benign, careful lifetime evaluation of patients is still justified.     

The effects of beta-blockers on ocular blood flow in patients with primary open angle glaucoma: a color Doppler imaging study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of four commonly used beta-blockers on ocular blood flow in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Eighty eyes of 40 subjects with POAG were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into four groups given timolol maleate 0.50%, betaxolol HCl 0.50%, carteolol 1% or levobunolol 0.50% drops, applied twice daily (one drug to each group). Before beginning the treatment and at the end of the first month ocular blood flow velocity was measured using the color Doppler imaging (CDI) method. In the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA) and temporal posterior ciliary artery (TPCA) the peak systolic (PS) and end-diastolic (ED) blood flow velocities were measured and resistive index (RI) values were calculated. The results within each group were analysed using the matched paired student's t-test. The data between groups was compared with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: The timolol group showed a significant increase in RI values of TPCA. In the betaxolol group RI decreased significantly in CRA and TPCA, whereas in the carteolol group there was a significant decrease only in CRA. In the levobunolol group there was no change in any artery. CONCLUSIONS. Betaxolol seemed to have a greater vasodilator effect than carteolol, and levobunolol had no effect on the retinal and choroidal vasculature. Timolol may have some vasoconstrictive effect in the ciliary vasculature.