Combined indomethacin/gentamicin eyedrops to reduce pain after traumatic corneal abrasion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the analgesic action of combined indomethacin 0.1%/gentamicin eyedrops in traumatic corneal abrasion. METHODS: We evaluated 123 patients presenting traumatic corneal abrasion in a multicentre, randomised, double-masked study comparing two parallel treatment groups: indomethacin/gentamicin (group 1) or gentamicin alone (group 2). Study treatments were administered four times daily for 5-6 days. Pain (visual analogue scale), associated symptoms and safety were assessed. RESULTS: Starting from a comparable level, pain was reduced by 30% in group 1 and 15% in group 2, one hour after the first instillation, and by 59% and 42% respectively after the second. The global difference in pain relief from day 0 to day 4/5 was significantly better in group 1 (p = 0.015). Associated ophthalmic symptoms showed a greater decrease in group 1 after the first instillation (p = 0.007). Both treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Combined indomethacin/gentamicin eyedrops were effective and well tolerated in reducing the pain and discomfort associated with traumatic corneal abrasion.

Comparison of two fixed beta-blocker-pilocarpine combinations. The Carteolol-Pilocarpine Study Group.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a newly developed ophthalmic solution containing carteolol 2% and pilocarpine (2% (CBS341A) with a timolol 0.5% and pilocarpine 2% fixed combination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A randomized, double-masked, multicenter study was conducted in 209 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was higher than 21 mm Hg on bet-blocker twice a day alone. The test medications were administered twice daily for 4 months. IOP was measured at 9 and 11 a.m. at the beginning of the study (with beta-blocker alone) and after one and four months of treatment. Adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Both combinations caused a similar, statistically significant decrease in IOP. At four months, in the CBS341A group a 2.4 mm Hg (9%) reduction in IOP was achieved at 9 a.m. and 4.1 mm Hg (17.3%) at 11 a.m. compared with respectively 3 mm Hg (11%) and 4.5 mm Hg (19.5%) in the timolol-pilocarpine group. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in safety and efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The carteolol-pilocarpine combination appears as safe and as effective as the timolol-pilocarpine combination in the medical treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.