Latanoprost versus timolol gel to prevent ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of latanoprost and timolol gel in prevent ing ocular hypertension in the early period after phacoemulsification and p osterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales H ospital, Hong Kong, China. Methods: This prospective randomized double-masked clinical trial comprised patients with uncomplicated cataract having phacoemulsification with PC IO L implantation. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: postoperative application of timolol 0.5% gel-forming solution (Timoptol-XE(R)) (Group 1 ), latanoprost 0.005% (Group 2), and control (Group 3). Intraocular pressur e (IOP) was measured 2, 4, and 24 hours postoperatively. The anterior chamb er was examined for the levels of cells and flare using slitlamp biomicrosc opy. Results: Group 1 had a significantly greater reduction in mean IOP 2, 4, an d 24 hours after phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation than Group 3 ( P < .05). There were no significant differences between Groups 2 and 3 at a ny interval (P > .05). No excessive postoperative anterior chamber inflamma tion was observed in any group. Conclusions: A single dose of latanoprost given after phacoemulsification a nd PC IOL implantation did not produce a significant IOP-lowering effect wh en compared with a control group in the first 24 hours postoperatively. A s ingle dose of timolol gel produced a significant postoperative IOP decrease as soon as 2 hours and up to 24 hours after surgery. Timolol gel and latan oprost are safe, but timolol is more effective than latanoprost in preventi ng postoperative ocular hypertension. J Cataract Refract Surg 2000; 26:386- 391 (C) 2000 ASCRS and ESCRS.