PRIMARY OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA;

Abstract

… Introduction: Glaucoma constitutes a group of ocular diseases characterized byoptic nerve damage and loss of visual field, usually associated with elevated IOP. Although theelevation of IOP beyond normal values is not necessary for the occurrence of glaucomatousdamage, it is currently thought to be a major risk factor. Glaucoma is one of principal causes ofblindness in the world. The primary aim of POAG treatment is to prevent functional visualimpairment with in patient’s life time by slowing the rate of ganglion cell loss closer to that ofnormal population (approximately 5000/year). Medications for glaucoma have changed notablyover the past 2 decades with increase in efficacy, better dosing regimens, improvement in safety,and reduction in side-effects. Purpose of study: The purpose of this study is to compare the IOPlowering efficacy of the (Travatan) Travoprost 0.004%ophthalmic solution and (Alphagan)brimondine 0.2% ophthalmic solution in primary open angle glaucoma. Duration: The durationof study was six months from June 2009 to November 2009. Material and methods: The studywas conducted on 60 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) divided into twogroups randomly.. Each patient was examined regarding visual acuty, refraction, slit lampbiomicroscopy, IOP with Goldmann Applanation Tonometer, Gonioscopy, fundoscopy andPerimetry. Results: GROUP A had 30 patients with 60 eyes there were 25 male (83.33%) patientsand five females (16.67 %) patients. The eye drops travoprost 0.004 % one drop at night wasused. The average IOP reduction was 7mmhg from base line, GROUP B also had 30 patients with60 eyes there were 27 male (90%.) and 3 females (10 %) The eye drops brimonidine tartarate 0.2% was instilled twice a day one drop in the morning and one drop in the evening. The average IOPreduction was 5.5mmhg from base line. Conclusions: In conclusion both latanop