Efficacy of first- or second-line latanoprost on intraocular pressure and ocular symptoms in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and ophthalmic symptoms with the Glaucoma Symptom Scale in patients suffering from open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) after 3 months of treatment with latanoprost. This multicentric open study was carried out in adult patients suffering from OAG or simple OHT (naive or previously treated with monotherapy) and needing a change or initiation of anti-glaucomatous treatment. One drop of latanoprost 0.005% was instilled every evening for 12 weeks in each affected eye. Efficacy was assessed by the variation in IOP and ophthalmic symptomatology at the end of treatment. Prognosis factors associated with a relative IOP reduction of at least 30% were sought (using a logistic regression model). A total of 920 patients suffering from OAG (54%) or OHT (44%), either previously treated (69%) or naive (31%), were included. The male:female ratio was 0.78 and the mean age was 63+/-13 years. At inclusion, the mean IOP was 22.1+/-3.8 mmHg. After treatment, IOP was significantly decreased by 5.1+/-4 mmHg, corresponding to a 22% reduction. IOP reduction was 7.1+/-4 mmHg, corresponding to 29% in naive patients and 4.2+/-4 mmHg, corresponding to 19% in previously treated patients. A relative IOP reduction of at least 30% was reached by 47% of naive patients and 21% of previously treated patients. In previously treated patients, a relative IOP reduction of at least 30% had a greater chance of being reached in men with previous ophthalmic history and high IOP at inclusion (above 21 mmHg). IOP reduction was similar in patients with OAG and OHT. A significant improvement in ophthalmic symptoms was observed after treatment in previously treated patients. A total of 7% of the patients presented an adverse event affecting the visual system: eye irritation (2%), eye pain (2%), or eye hyperemia (1%). Compliance was good for 94% of the patients. Latanoprost given as first or second-line treatment at the recommended dose effectively decreases IOP in patients with OAG or OHT. This treatment also improves visual and nonvisual symptoms in previously treated patients and presents a good safety profile.