Effect of latanoprost versus fixed-combination timolol-dorzolamide on intraocular pressure in a sample of people from Kerbala city in Iraq

Abstract

Objective: Aqueous humour pressure on the internal surface area of the anterior part of the eye is termed the intraocular pressure (IOP). The balance between aqueous secretion and drainage determines the intraocular pressure. Several drugs treat glaucoma by lowering the IOP, decreasing aqueous secretion, or increasing drainage. It is reported that latanoprost, a prostaglandin agonist, enhances uveoscleral drainage. In addition, timolol and dorzolamide decrease IOP by secretion reduction and can be used as a fixed combination (DTFC). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of latanoprost 0.005% once daily versus fixed-combination timolol (0.5%) and dorzolamide (2%) twice daily in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) among people in Kerbala city with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Methods: A randomised controlled study enrolled 100 patients (200 eyes) with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, equally divided into two groups. Group A received timolol/dorzolamide twice daily, and Group B received latanoprost once daily for three months. IOP was measured using air-puff tonometry pre- and post-intervention. Data were analysed using an independent samples t-test.

Results: Baseline IOP was similar between groups (24.43±8.83 mmHg vs 26.12±7.23 mmHg; p=0.056). Post-intervention, latanoprost achieved greater mean IOP reduction (26.2%) compared to timolol/dorzolamide (21.6%; p=0.002).

Conclusion: Latanoprost demonstrated statistically greater IOP reduction than fixed-combination timolol-dorzolamide over three months. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted.