Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Fluctuations Measured by Goldmann Applanation Tonometer and Pulsatile Ocular Blood Flow Analyser

Evaluation of the effect of glaucoma medication is restricted by measurement of IOP as a dynamic physiological parameter. Present paper aimed to compare IOP fluctuations over time using Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP-GAT) and pulsatile ocular blood flow analyzer (IOP-POBFA) under the apropos treatment regimes. Prospective 1 year follow-up study comprised of 30 patients of open angle glaucoma (60 eyes): 16 patients (32 eyes) receiving dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (D/T) and 14 (28 eyes) latanoprost 0.005%. After 1 year follow-up D/T and latanoprost results referred to statistically significant tachyphylaxis effect, i.e. IOP-GAT increased in 2.31mmHg with D/T (p=0.007) and 2.72mmHg (p=0.004) with latanoprost and IOP-POBFA increased in 1.74mmHg (p=0.026) and 3.13 mmHg (p=0.007) respectively. Observed tachyphylaxis effects after 1 year under both treatment regimes should be assessed with respect to patient compliance and persistence to treatment.