[Prostaglandin analogues and central corneal thickness]

Prostaglandin analogs reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) by activation of matrixmetalloproteinase enzymes (MMP) and increasing uveoscleral outflow. MMP's were found in cornea and their activation could change the central corneal thickness (CCT).

To compare the effects of different prostaglandin analogues on central corneal thickness (CCT).

Clinical, observational, prospectively and randomised study during 3 month on 26 patients (52 eyes) newly diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The patients were distributed in two groups concerning topical treatment: - group I: 15 patients treat with travoprost 0,004%; - group II: 11 patients treat with latanoprost 0,005%. The treatment was administrated daily at 9:00 pm, one drop. The CCT was measured for each patient for 3 times by ultrasound pachimetry: at the beginning of the study, at one month and three months. The groups were homogeneous concerning age and sex distribution. Exclusion criteria were: any topical eye drug usage, history of corneal disease or intraocular surgery. The statistic analyse was realised with Mann-Whitman test.

The mean central corneal thickness for the two groups was similar: 521,27+/-28,54 microm for group I and 522,18+/-27,52 microm for group II. A statistically significant CCT reduction was observed in both groups: 516,88+/-28,61 microm at one month and 515,04+/-27,59 microm at three month for group I; respectively 518,41+/-27,36 microm at one month and 517,98+/-27,86 microm at three month for group II.

The results of this study show that both classes of prostaglandin analogs reduce the mean CCT, the effect being equivalent for the both studied groups.