Evaluating the efficacy of fix combination of Latanoprost-Timolol Maleate With Latanoprost Monotherapy in primary open angle glaucoma cases

Sixty primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients who have admitted to department of ophthalmology, medical faculty, Gaziantep University through the period between August 2008-January2009 has been included the study. 30 patients have been applied latanoprost 0.005%-timolol maleate 0.5% fix combination( the first group) and 30 of them have been applied latanoprost 0.005% monotherapy (the second group). Before the treatment, visual acuity examination, gonioscopic examination with Goldmann three mirror lens, intraocular pressure examination with Goldmann applanation tonometer, corneal thickness exam with ultrasonic pachimetry, visual field exam with Octopus-900 perimeter have done. The patients have been called for four times; on the tenth day, first month, third month and forth month. In every visit, visual examination and intraocular pressure measurement have repeated. The end of the observation time corneal thickness measurement and visual field exam have repeated. Although any statistically significant difference hasn?t be found between two groups, our clinical observations showed that the patients who was applied latanoprost 0.005%-timolol maleate 0.5% fix combination (LTFC) had lower intraocular pressure (IOP).To evaluate the diurnal rhythm, we have done five IOP measurement between 08:00 a.m and 18:00 p.m on the third month. The diurnal rhythm was statistically significant for the first group.For both of the groups the visual field examination has done before and after the treatment. For the first group the MD was 2.40 ± 1.93 dB on the begining and 1.27 ±1.04 dB at the end of the forth month. This result was statistically significant. For the second group the begining value was 3.50 ± 2.01dB and at the end of the tretment process it was found as 3.05 ± 2.45 dB. This result was not statistically significant.The most frequent adverse effects were burning, irritation, hyperemia for both of the groups. Visual blurring and any systemic adverse effect have not be seen.At the end of the forth month the central corneal thickness was decreased a little for both of the groups. But the difference was not statistically significant.The latanoprost 0.005%-timolol maleate 0.5% fix combination is a preferable antiglaucomatous agent for the primary open angle glaucoma for its IOP control, positive effects on visuel field, minimum daily fluctutation, the patients? conformity and little adverse effects.