A persistency and economic analysis of latanoprost, bimatoprost, or beta-blockers in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the persistency and treatment costs for latanoprost, bimatoprost, or beta-blockers in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensive patients.

Methods: This study was a retrospective, multicenter, parallel, active-controlled comparison of patients who were prescribed with ocular hypotensive monotherapy between September 1996 and August 2002.

Results: 1,182 patients were included.

An economic analysis of switching to latanoprost from a beta-blocker or adding brimonidine or latanoprost to a beta-blocker in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Background: In treating patients with ocular hypertension or primary open-angle glaucoma, if a single agent cannot successfully control the pressure, additional medications may be prescribed. The cost of treatment may become expensive, especially with multiple drug therapy. Thus, prescribing techniques that help minimize costs may be beneficial to patients when medically appropriate.