Hypotensive effect of latanoprost instillation with or without timolol-gel

Purpose : To report the hypotensive effect of latanoprost instillation with or without addition of timolol-gel. Material and Method : This clinical study was made on 24 eyes of 24 patients with normal-tension glaucoma. Their age ranged from 39 to 69 years, average 55 years. Cases were defined as latanoprost responder when the intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased by 20% or more after instillation of latanoprost for 4 weeks. Topical timolol was added when IOP failed to decrease by 20% after 4 weeks. Cases were followed up for an average of 35 months. Results : IOP decreased by 20% or more in 11 eyes after 4 weeks of latanoprost. Hypotensive effect lasted after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.01). IOP decreased similarly in 13 eyes after addition of timolol. After 3 years, hypotensive effect by 20% or more was present in 55% eyes receiving latanoprost and in 15% of eyes receiving additional timolol. Conclusion : When IOP decreases by 20% or more after 4 weeks of latanoprost alone, more than half the eyes retain the hypotensive effect after 3 years of treatment.