Acute effect of latanoprost on pulsatile ocular blood flow in normal eyes

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of an acute dose of 0.005% latanoprost on intraocular pressure and pulsatile ocular blood flow in normal eyes. METHODS: Nineteen volunteers received a single dose (two drops) of latanopr ost 0.005% in one eye and placebo in the fellow control eye, randomized and masked to the observer. Intraocular pressure, perfusion pressure, pulsatil e ocular blood flow, and systemic circulatory parameters were measured befo re and 8 hours after dosing. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SE) intraocular pressure, perfusion pressure, and pu lsatile ocular blood flow before treatment were 17 +/- 1 mm Hg, 46 +/- 3 mm Hg, and 13 +/- 1 mul per second, respectively, in both the treated and con trol eyes. The mean intraocular pressure reduction was 4.9 and 2.1 mm Hg (2 8% and 12%) in the treated and fellow eye, respectively. The mean perfusion pressure increase was 5.6 and 2.8 mm Hg (12% and 6%) in the treated and fe llow eye, respectively. The mean pulsatile ocular blood flow increase was 2 .7 and 0.2 mul per second (20% and 1%) in the treated and fellow eye, respe ctively. The treated eye change in pulsatile ocular blood flow was not corr elated to the change in perfusion pressure. Simultaneous reduction of intra ocular pressure and increase or no significant change in pulsatile ocular b lood flow occurred in 15 of 19 (79%) of the treated eyes. The systemic bloo d pressure and pulse rates remained in normal ranges over the 8-hour period . CONCLUSION: In this study, topical latanoprost significantly reduces intrao cular pressure and increases ocular blood flow in normal eyes 8 hours after dosing. These effects of latanoprost may be beneficial in the management o f glaucoma patients. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001; 131:198-202. (C) 2001 by Elsevi er Science Inc. All rights reserved).