An evaluation of the effect of unoprostone isopropyl 0.15% on ocular hemodynamics in normal-tension glaucoma patients

Background: Because intraocular pressure-lowering agents should have a good safety profile with regard to ocular hemodynamics, the innocuousness of un oprostone isopropyl 0.15% with regard to ocular hemodynamics in vasospastic patients with normal-tension glaucoma was assessed in a pilot study. Metho ds: Corneal temperature as a parameter of ocular blood flow and choroidal a nd optic nerve blood flow as assessed by means of laser Doppler flowmetry t echniques were evaluated in 12 vasospastic normal-tension glaucoma patients in a prospective, randomized, observer-masked, two-period crossover, place bo-controlled pilot trial. Results: Statistical analysis in 2x2 two-way ana lysis of variance models with two treatments (placebo and unoprostone isopr opyl) and two assessments (baseline and after I week of treatment) as withi n-subject factors disclosed a lack of difference between eyes, between the treatment (placebo/unoprostone isopropyl) periods, and between baseline and after 1 week of treatment in corneal temperature, choroidal blood flow, an d optic nerve blood flow. The differences between the results at baseline a nd after I week of treatment in these parameters were not significantly dif ferent between the placebo treatment period and the unoprostone isopropyl t reatment period, and this was comparable in fellow eyes for all the paramet ers. Conclusion: Unoprostone isopropyl did not induce any alterations in oc ular hemodynamics in this pilot study with vasospastic normal-tension glauc oma patients.