Effect of latanoprost on intraocular pressure in steroid-induced glaucoma

Purpose: To study the effect of monotherapy with latanoprost 0.005% on intr aocular pressure (IOP) in a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial of pat ients newly diagnosed with steroid-induced secondary open-angle glaucoma. Patients and Methods: Eight patients (16 eyes) with newly diagnosed steroid -associated secondary open-angle glaucoma were prescribed latanoprost 0.005 % once a day in each eye. The initial IOP before treatment served as an int ernal control for each eye. Intraocular pressure was remeasured after 1 mon th of monotherapy with latanoprost. Investigators (WJS) were blinded to ini tial IOP at the time of remeasurement. After discontinuation of steroids, I OP was rechecked. If IOP was stable, latanoprost was discontinued. Intraocu lar pressure was rechecked 2 to 4 weeks later to confirm an association wit h steroid use. Results: Intraocular pressure was significantly decreased after treatment w ith latanoprost (18.3 +/- 2.8 mm Hg) compared with initial IOP (25.3 +/- 9. 1 mm Hg). This change represented a 28% decrease in IOP compared with basel ine levels. Average IOP after discontinuation of steroids and latanoprost ( 17.3 +/- 1.4 mm Hg) did not differ from IOP measured during treatment with latanoprost, but it was significantly less than the initial IOP before trea tment. No adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: Monotherapy with latanoprost is safe and effective in patients with steroid-induced glaucoma. Advantages include lack of systemic side ef fects and convenient once-daily dosing.