Physician attitudes regarding prostaglandin treatment for glaucoma in the United States and Europe.

Purpose: To evaluate physician use of prostaglandins (latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost) in the United States (US) and Europe (EU).

Methods: One thousand multiple-choice surveys were distributed via e-mail in the US and EU.

Results: The authors received 71 responses (US 40 [8%] and EU 31 [6%]). Physicians preferred prostaglandin monotherapy (US 39 [98%] and EU 22 [71%], p=0.003), usually latanoprost (US 32 [80%] and EU 22 [71%], p=0.45). When more efficacy was required, US physicians would typically switch (23 [58%]) and EU physicians would add therapy (22 [71%], p=0.007). In both continents 45% of respondents stated bimatoprost was more efficacious.

Conclusions: US and EU physicians prefer prostaglandin monotherapy, most commonly latanoprost. Bimatoprost is often perceived as more effective, but having a higher incidence of conjunctival hyperemia.