ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To investigate the condition of the ocular surface and the effectiveness of Taflotan for long-term therapy in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma in real clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This publication presents data form a retrospective observational study that analyzed newly diagnosed glaucoma patients that have been using 1 drop/day of Taflotan in the evening for 12 months. All patients were examined at baseline, and after 1 month and 12 months of treatment, recording intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal photosensitivity indicators (MD, PSD), thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and assessing the condition of the ocular surface by Schirmer test, tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, as well as measurement of the lacrimal meniscus height and corneal staining with lissamine green. RESULTS: IOP effectively decreased in all patients using Taflotan, reaching the target pressure by 1 month after therapy initiation. IOP decreased from 25±4 mm Hg at baseline to 17±3mm Hg after 1 month with further decrease down to 16±3 mm Hg after 12 months of therapy. Retinal photosensitivity (MD and PSD) and RNFL thickness did not differ from baseline, and correlated to glaucoma stage. The indicators of the condition of the ocular surface had no significant differences between the baseline, 1-month and 12-month time points. CONCLUSION: Taflotan effectively decreases IOP in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients, maintains stable automated perimetry indices and RNFL thickness, and does not affect the ocular surface throughout 12 months of therapy.
