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Topical versus oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor therapy for pediatric glaucoma

M Portellos1, E G Buckley, S F Freedman

  • 1Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.

Insights

Oral acetazolamide significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) more than topical dorzolamide in pediatric glaucoma patients. While dorzolamide lowered IOP, it was less effective than acetazolamide for managing pediatric glaucoma.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Glaucoma Management
  • Pharmacological Interventions

Background:

  • Pediatric glaucoma requires effective intraocular pressure (IOP) management.
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) are used to lower IOP.
  • Comparing oral acetazolamide and topical dorzolamide offers insights into treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the hypotensive effect of oral acetazolamide versus topical dorzolamide in pediatric glaucoma patients.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of these CAIs in a crossover design.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric patients (<18 years) switched from acetazolamide to dorzolamide.
  • Intraocular pressures measured using Tono-Pen or applanation tonometer.
  • Analysis of IOP changes and treatment outcomes over specified follow-up periods.

Main Results:

  • Oral acetazolamide reduced IOP by 35.7%, while topical dorzolamide reduced IOP by 27.4%.
  • Switching from acetazolamide to dorzolamide resulted in a mean IOP increase of 20.2%.
  • Five patients required additional treatment, and one was switched back to acetazolamide for better IOP control.

Conclusions:

  • Topical dorzolamide provides significant IOP reduction in pediatric glaucoma patients.
  • Oral acetazolamide demonstrates greater efficacy in lowering IOP compared to topical dorzolamide.
  • Dorzolamide is generally well-tolerated but may be less effective for some pediatric glaucoma cases.
Abstract

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