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Central corneal thickness during treatment with travoprost 0.004% in glaucoma patients

Torsten Schlote1, Argyrios Tzamalis, Myron Kynigopoulos

  • 1Outpatient Clinic of Ophthalmology Ambimed, Basel, Switzerland. tschlote@bluewin.ch

Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics : the Official Journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|October 28, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Travoprost eye drops significantly reduced central corneal thickness (CCT) in glaucoma patients over 12 months. Most eyes showed thinning, primarily within the first six months of treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Glaucoma Research
  • Corneal Physiology

Background:

  • Prostaglandin analogues are known to alter corneal collagen structure.
  • Glaucoma treatment requires careful monitoring of ocular parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of travoprost 0.004% on central corneal thickness (CCT) in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients.
  • To investigate changes in corneal thickness following topical prostaglandin therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A consecutive, interventional case series included 74 patients (136 eyes) with glaucoma.
  • Patients received travoprost 0.004% once daily.
  • Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using optical low-coherence reflectometry at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months.

Main Results:

  • Mean CCT decreased significantly from 546.71 ± 34.63 µm at baseline to 532.38 ± 34.18 µm after 12 months (P < 0.001).
  • Ninety-five percent of treated eyes showed a reduction in CCT, with most thinning occurring within the first six months.
  • A significant correlation was observed between the magnitude of corneal thinning and the initial CCT.

Conclusions:

  • Topical travoprost therapy leads to a significant reduction in CCT within one year.
  • Further research is necessary to understand the long-term effects of prostaglandins on corneal thickness in glaucoma patients.

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