PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA;

COMPARISON OF THE OCULAR HYPOTENSIVE EFFICACY OF 0.004% TRAVOPROST & 0.2% BRIMONIDINE

Abstract

… Introduction: Glaucoma constitutes a group of ocular diseases characterized by
optic nerve damage and loss of visual field, usually associated with elevated IOP. Although the
elevation of IOP beyond normal values is not necessary for the occurrence of glaucomatous
damage, it is currently thought to be a major risk factor. Glaucoma is one of principal causes of
blindness in the world. The primary aim of POAG treatment is to prevent functional visual
impairment with in patient’s life time by slowing the rate of ganglion cell loss closer to that of
normal population (approximately 5000/year). Medications for glaucoma have changed notably
over the past 2 decades with increase in efficacy, better dosing regimens, improvement in safety,
and reduction in side-effects. Purpose of study: The purpose of this study is to compare the IOP
lowering efficacy of the (Travatan) Travoprost 0.004%ophthalmic solution and (Alphagan)
brimondine 0.2% ophthalmic solution in primary open angle glaucoma. Duration: The duration
of study was six months from June 2009 to November 2009. Material and methods: The study
was conducted on 60 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) divided into two
groups randomly.. Each patient was examined regarding visual acuty, refraction, slit lamp
biomicroscopy, IOP with Goldmann Applanation Tonometer, Gonioscopy, fundoscopy and
Perimetry. Results: GROUP A had 30 patients with 60 eyes there were 25 male (83.33%) patients
and five females (16.67 %) patients. The eye drops travoprost 0.004 % one drop at night was
used. The average IOP reduction was 7mmhg from base line, GROUP B also had 30 patients with
60 eyes there were 27 male (90%.) and 3 females (10 %) The eye drops brimonidine tartarate 0.2
% was instilled twice a day one drop in the morning and one drop in the evening. The average IOP
reduction was 5.5mmhg from base line. Conclusions: In conclusion both latanop