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Abstract #8271 Published in IGR 4-3
Progression of retinal nerve fibre layer damage in betaxolol- and timolol-treated glaucoma patients
Vainio-Jylhä E; Vuori ML; Nummelin KActa Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 2002; 80: 495-500
PURPOSE: it has been suggested that there are differences between selective and non-selective beta-blocking agents in their ability to protect glaucomatous eyes. The purpose of this study was to follow glaucoma patients treated with either betaxolol 0.5% or timolol 0.25% ophthalmic solutions, and to compare the rate and degree of progression in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects between the groups. METHODS: A total of 64 patients were prospectively recruited in a double-masked study, and randomly divided into two treatment groups. RNFL photographs were analyzed. The incidence and total amount of progression in each group were recorded. The rate of impairment was demonstrated using Kaplan Meier survival curves. RESULTS; The analysis included 27 patients treated with betaxolol and 28 patients treated with timolol. Of these, 30% of the betaxolol-treated and 46% of the timolol-treated patients had RNFL damage progression (p = 0.20). The total amount or rate of progression did not differ significantly between the two groups. There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure (IOP) levels between the groups (p = 0.68) during follow-up. The degree of RNFL deterioration did not correlate with the amount of IOP reduction. CONCLUSION: The group treated with betaxolol 0.5% and the group treated with timolol 0.25% did not differ significantly in RNFL damage progression.
E. Vainio-Jylhä, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
Classification:
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
6.8.2 Posterior segment (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.8 Photography)
11.3.4 Betablocker (Part of: 11 Medical treatment > 11.3 Adrenergic drugs)
