Intraocular pressure response to the replacement of pilocarpine or carbachol with echothiophate

In 20 patients with open-angle glaucoma in aphakia or pseudophakia whose intraocular pressure had remained uncontrolled on their current medical therapy, the medication was changed from pilocarpine or carbachol to echothiophate iodide. In all, 12 patients (60%) showed a statistically significant improvement in pressure control, 7 (35%) showed no change, and 1 had higher pressure. One-third of the patients with improved intraocular-pressure control eventually required laser or incisional surgery after a mean of 23 months, whereas the remaining subjects were controlled for the duration of the follow-up, which averaged 26 months. Side effects encountered during echothiophate iodide treatment included ocular irritation, decreased vision, and one retinal detachment.