Changes in ocular surface caused by antiglaucomatous eyedrops: prospective, randomised study for the comparison of 0.5% timolol v 0.12% unoprostone
Jun Shimazakia, Kazuomi Hanadaa, Yukiko Yagi, Junkichi Yamagamib, Misaki Ishiokaa, Shigeto Shimmuraa, Kazuo Tsubotaa
a Department of
Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Chiba, Japan, b Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo
School of Medicine
Correspondence to: Dr Jun Shimazaki, Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, 5-11-13 Sugano, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan jun{at}eyebank.or.jp
Accepted for publication 16 May 2000
AIM
To study changes
induced in ocular surface epithelia and the tear film by
antiglaucomatous eyedrops. A 
blocker (0.5% timolol) and a novel
prostaglandin F2
metabolite related drug (0.12% unoprostone) were examined in a prospective, randomised fashion.
METHODS40 patients
were randomly assigned to use either 0.5% timolol (timolol group) or
0.12% unoprostone eyedrops (unoprostone group) twice a day for 24 weeks. In addition to routine ocular examinations, corneal epithelial
integrity (vital staining tests, tear film break up time (BUT),
anterior fluorometry, specular microscopy) and tear function
(Schirmer's test, cotton thread test, tear clearance test (TCT)) were
examined before and after the treatment.
RESULTSBoth eyedrops
caused significant reduction in intraocular pressure from the baseline
levels. No significant changes were noted in corneal integrity in both
groups, except a decrease in BUT at 20 weeks in the timolol group. The
timolol group demonstrated significant decreases in Schirmer's test,
tear clearance test, and tear function index (Schirmer's test value
multiplied by clearance test); however, no such changes were noted in
the unoprostone group.
CONCLUSIONWhile
unoprostone eyedrops caused no adverse effects on the corneal
epithelial integrity and tear function, timolol caused significant
impairments in tear production and turnover.
© 2000 by British Journal of Ophthalmology
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