EFFECT OF LATANOPROST ON INTRAOCULAR-PRESSURE FOLLOWING CATARACT-EXTRACTION

Purpose: To compare the effect of latanoprost 0.005% with that of a pl acebo (balanced salt solution [BSS(R)]) applied after phacoemulsificat ion on intraocular pressure (IOP). Setting: Pasco Eye Institute, New P ort Richey, Florida, USA. Methods: A group of patients having cataract extraction by phacoemulsification was randomized following surgery to receive one drop of latanoprost 0.005% (1.5 mu g) or a placebo (BSS), Exclusion criteria included ocular diagnosis in addition to cataract, previous eye surgery history of glaucoma, previous use of glaucoma me dications, or vitreous loss during surgery. Standard phacoemulsificati on was performed through a scleral tunnel approach and a one-piece, po ly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens implanted in the capsular bag . Approximately 24 hours after surgery, IOP was measured with a Goldma nn applanation tonometer by the surgeon. The anterior chamber reaction was qualitatively graded from 1+ to 4+. Results: The study included 1 03 eyes (latanoprost = 53; control = 50). Latanoprost treatment result ed in significantly lower postoperative IOP (16.4 mm Hg +/- 3.7 [SD]) than preoperative IOP (17.9 +/- 3.0 mm Hg) (P < .025). There was no de crease in postoperative IOP in the control group (18.2 +/- 3.5 mm Hg) compared with preoperative IOP (18.3 +/- 2.6 mm Hg). When the two grou ps were compared, postoperative IOP after treatment with latanoprost w as significantly less than control IOP (P < .01). Preoperative IOP was not significantly different in the placebo and latanoprost groups. An terior chamber reaction was not increased by latanoprost; it averaged 1+ in both groups. Conclusions: Latanoprost may pharmacologically enha nce uveoscleral outflow immediately after cataract extraction. In this study, latanoprost was a safe, effective method of reducing postopera tive IOP.