Effect of dorzolamide on ocular hemodynamics and visual function in glaucoma

Objective. It has been shown that oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitors improv e visual function in glaucoma. Furthermore topical dorzolamide might improv e ocular hemodynamics, as was demonstrated previously. This study was under taken to evaluate whether topical dorzolamide affects visual function and o cular hemodynamics in glaucoma. Methods. In a retrospective, open clinical trial,dorzolamide eye drops were administered to 28 patients with confirmed primary open angle glaucoma (PO AG) in both eyes, 3 times daily for a mean follow up of 9 months. One eye w as randomly chosen for evaluation. IOP, blood pressure, heart rate, pulsati le ocular blood flow (POBF) and Humphrey 30-2 visual fields were measured a t baseline and after the start of the thera py. POBF was determined by pneu motonography. For statistical analysis the Wilcoxon-matched-paired test and the Bonferoni-Holm adjustment were used. Results. In dorzolamide-treated patients the IOP dropped from 18 mmHg to 15 .5 mmHg after 9 months therapy (p <0.01) and the visual field improved sign ificantly by 18% (p <0.05). A statistically significant change was found fo r POBF from 543 mul/min to 675 mul/min (p <0.05). Conclusions. The results showed the expected drop in intraocular pressure. Visual function and pulsatile ocular blood flow improved significantly whic h might be explained by an analogous, vasodilatory effect as was observed i n orally applied carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.