The effect of prostaglandin analogues on central corneal thickness of patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma: A 2-year study on 129 eyes

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of prostaglandin analogues on the central corneal thickness (CCT) of patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG). Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine eyes were included in this study. Of these, 108 were treated with prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost, travoprost and bimatoprost), while 21 eyes treated with β-blockers were used as controls. CCT was measured before treatment and at 3-month intervals. Results: A slight but significant increase in CCT was recorded in the bimatoprost and latanoprost groups. Treatment with bimatoprost produced a constant increase (1.85-8.83 μm) in CCT at all time-points of the study. The CCT rise found in the latanoprost group was significant for the first year. Treatment with travoprost did not affect CCT. Conclusion: The possibility of corneal thickening under prolonged, local prostaglandin treatment should be investigated further. However, in clinical practice, CCT changes may sometimes influence intraocular pressure measurements significantly. © 2009 Acta Ophthalmol.