Longitudinal effect of topical antiglaucoma medications on central corneal thickness. (5th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Viswanathan, Deepa; Goldberg, Ivan; Graham, Stuart L
• Is Part Of: Clinical & experimental ophthalmology. Volume 41:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 348
• Page End: 354
• Publication Date: 2013-06-05
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02870.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1442-6404

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>To determine the change in central corneal thickness over time and whether the use of long‐term topical antiglaucoma medications influences central corneal thickness.</p> </sec> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>Case control study with retrospective and prospective data collection.</p> </sec> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Participants</title> <p>One hundred eighty‐seven eyes of 187 glaucoma patients (mean follow up 6.92 ± 1.67 years) being treated with topical antiglaucoma medications (at least 3 years) with no history of surgery or laser were included and compared with 100 eyes of 100 age–matched, untreated control subjects (mean follow up 6.58 ± 1.93 years) who were glaucoma suspects with normal intraocular pressure not on any treatment.</p> </sec> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Demographic data, central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure were collected at initial glaucoma diagnosis and at most recent visit, and findings were compared between two groups.</p> </sec> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Main Outcome Measures</title> <p>Mean change in central corneal thickness in microns (μm).</p> </sec> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Central corneal thickness fell significantly (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001) in treated eyes but not in control eyes (<italic>P</italic> = 0.18); mean central corneal thickness reduction was 12.29 ± 13.65 μm in treated eyes and 1.17 ± 8.75 μm in controls. Among treated eyes, central corneal thickness reduction was significant (<italic>P</italic> < 0.0001) in those treated with either prostaglandins or a combination of prostaglandin and beta‐blockers, while no significant reduction occurred in eyes treated with only beta‐blockers (<italic>P</italic> = 0.15) when compared with control eyes.</p> </sec> <sec id="ceo2870-sec-0007" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Prostaglandins appear to be associated with a small but significant central corneal thickness reduction over time. Serial central corneal thickness measurements might be helpful in glaucoma patients, particularly those on prostaglandins.</p> </sec> </abstract>