Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in the industrialized nations. For a long time glaucoma has been defined as a disease in which high intraocular pressure (IOP) leads to irreversible optic disc damage and subsequent visual field loss. However, recent investigations show that IOP is not the only factor that is involved in the glaucomatous process leading to retinal ganglion cell death. The role of vascular factors in the pathogenesis of glaucoma has recently received much attention based on animal experiments and epidemiological studies. The main focus of glaucoma is still directed towards a decrease in IOP. There is, however, also considerable interest whether antiglaucoma drugs influence ocular perfusion. Although measurement of ocular blood flow is still difficult, a number of innovative techniques have been realized which cover different aspects of ocular perfusion. In the present study Xalacom® (latanoprost/timolol) and the fixed combination of Combigan® (brimonidine/timolol) will be compared with respect to their IOP lowering efficacy as well as their ocular hemodynamic effects.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
16
1 drop per day and eye for 6 weeks
1 drop twice a day per eye for 6 weeks
Department of Clinical Pharmacology
Vienna, Austria
Optic disc blood flow measured with laser Doppler flowmeter (rel units)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Intraocular pressure (mmHg)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Retrobulbar flow velocities as measured with color Doppler imaging (cm/s)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Mean defect of visual field measured with automated perimetry (dB)
Time frame: 12 weeks
Corneal thickness as measured with pachymetry (µm)
Time frame: 1 day
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.