effectiveness and safety profile of latanoprost in Libyan patients with primary open angle glaucoma

ABSTRACT

Latanoprost has proven to be an effective ocular hypotensive in healthy eyes and in eyes with elevated intraocular pressure. In this study the effect on intraocular pressure [IOP] and safety profile of topical applications of Latanoprost alone or combined with Betaxolol is investigated. A total of 25 eyes [25 patients] with open angle glaucoma were included in a 3 months prospective study. Mean age was 55.25 years [range 34-69]. They were allocated to a 4 weeks treatment with once daily administration of Latanoprost 0.005%, followed by 8 weeks' combination with Betoptic 0.5% topical drops twice daily therapy. The effect of Latanoprost alone reduced IOP from 26.48 [SD +/- 5.16] to 20.92 [SD +/- 3.8] mm Hg [p <0.005]. The addition of Betopic eye drops produced further reduction of IOP to 15.16 [SD +/- 2.81] mm Hg [p <0.005]. Latanoprost have a clinically significant IOP lowering effect. The effect of Xalatan on IOP is increased when combined with Betaxolol. No serious side effects were reported