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Abstract #15670 Published in IGR 2-3
Changes in ocular surface caused by antiglaucomatous eyedrops: prospective, randomised study for the comparison of 0.5% timolol versus 0. 12% unoprostone
Shimazaki J; Hanada K; Yagi Y; Yamagami J; Ishioka M; Shimmura S; Tsubota KBritish Journal of Ophthalmology 2000; 84: 1250-1254
AIM: To study changes induced in ocular surface epithelia and the tear film by antiglaucomatous eyedrops. A beta blocker (0.5% timolol) and a novel prostaglandin F(2α) metabolite related drug (0.12% unoprostone) were examined in a prospective, randomized fashion. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly assigned to use either 0.5% timolol (timolol group) or 0.12% unoprostone eyedrops (unoprostone group) twice a day for 24 weeks. In addition to routine ocular examinations, corneal epithelial integrity (vital staining tests, tear film break up time (BUT), anterior fluorometry, specular microscopy) and tear function (Schirmer's test, cotton thread test, tear clearance test (TCT)) were examined before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Both eyedrops caused significant reduction in intraocular pressure from the baseline levels. No significant changes were noted in corneal integrity in both groups, except a decrease in BUT at 20 weeks in the timolol group. The timolol group demonstrated significant decreases in Schirmer's test, tear clearance test, and tear function index (Schirmer's test value multiplied by clearance test); however, no such changes were noted in the unoprostone group. CONCLUSION: While unoprostone eyedrops caused no adverse effects on the corneal epithelial integrity and tear function, timolol caused significant impairments in tear production and turnover.
Dr. J. Shimazaki, Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan
Classification:
11.3.4 Betablocker (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
11.4 Prostaglandins (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
