Efficacy of Latanoprost as an Adjunct to Medical Therapy for Residual Angle-Closure Glaucoma after Iridectomy

ABSTRACT

Residual primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) after iridectomy is an important issue among Asians, especially Chinese. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of latanoprost as an intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering agent in cases of residual PACG. Twenty-six eyes of 26 PACG patients with persistently elevated IOP after iridectomy, despite treatment with conventional IOP lowering drugs (beta blockers and pilocarpine) were included. Latanoprost 0.005%, one drop daily, was added adjunctively to all eyes. Measurement of IOP at baseline and after the start of treatment with latanoprost indicated a significant IOP reduction. The IOP decreased by about 21 % (p < 0.005) during the first 3 months, and showed a reduction of about 36% at the end of 1 year. At the 1 -year follow up, the IOP was well controlled (below 20 mmHg) in all eyes. These findings show that, in combination with beta blockade and pilocarpine, latanoprost can ameliorate residual PACG after iridectomy and could potentially forestall the need for further therapeutic intervention.