Daily cost of ophthalmic solutions for treating glaucoma in Japan

Purpose: We conducted a study of the daily cost of various ophthalmic solut ions used in Japan for treating glaucoma: beta -adrenergic blockers (11 pro ducts), epinephrine (3), cholinergics (3), prostaglandins (2), and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (2). Methods: The total number of drops in one bottle of each solution was count ed drop by drop. The cost per drop was calculated by dividing the governmen t-controlled standard prices by the total number of drops in one bottle. Th e daily cost of therapy was calculated by multiplying the cost per drop by the number of drops typically used per day. Results: The average cost of each preparation was calculated based on the p rices and the daily usage. The daily cost of the beta -adrenergic blockers studied ranged widely, from $0.43 to $1.04. Conclusions: These data may be useful in selecting ophthalmic products for glaucoma therapy in Japan. Jpn J Ophthalmol 2001;45:99-102 (C) 2001 Japanes e Ophthalmological Society.