Comparative intraocular pressure reduction efficacy of latanoprost and timolol meleate in open angle glaucomaand ocular hypertensive patient

Latanoprost 0.005% and timololmaleate 0.5% were compared in a five week randomized study using 20 patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. 50% of the patients received latanoprost while the other half was treated with timolol . The two drugs were compared with regard to their efficacy in lowering intraocular pressure and tolerability. Latanoprost effected an average reduction of 12.4±4.3mmHg (35%) in OD, 12.4±2.4mmHg (35%) in OS and 12.4±2.9 mmHg (35%) in OU. Timolol , on the other hand, effected a reductionof 8.5±3.2mmHg(27.5%) in OD,9.1±3.3mmHg(28.6%) in OS and 8.8±2.3mmHg (28.1%) in OU. Student'sT-test analysis showed the reductions to be significant (P<0.05) in the two group. However, latanoprost showed 80% tolerability while timolol showed 30% tolerability.