[Comparison of the effects of latanoprost and timolol gel-forming solution on diurnal variation of intraocular pressure in normal-tension glaucoma].

Objective: To compare the effects of latanoprost (Lat) and timolol gel-forming solution (Tg) on the diurnal variation of intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

Subjects And Methods: A total of 47 NTG patients (47 eyes) were randomly assigned to receive Lat alone (25 eyes) or Tg alone (22 eyes). IOP was measured at fixed time points during 24 hours before and after treatment with each drug. In addition, blood pressure and pulse rate were measured before and after treatment.

Results: Lat reduced IOP significantly at all time points of measurement. Tg reduced IOP significantly at all time points of measurement except at 22:00 and 03:00. Percent reductions in the IOP at 03:00 and in the mean diurnal IOP were significantly greater in the Lat group than in the Tg group. In the Lat group there was no change in diastolic pressure or pulse rate after treatment, but in the Tg group these parameters decreased significantly.

Conclusions: Comparison of diurnal variation of IOP before and after treatment shows that Lat is more effective than Tg in lowering IOP. In addition, Lat does not affect blood pressure or pulse rate.