Latanoprost for open-angle glaucoma (UKGTS): a randomised, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Trials
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma treatments aim to prevent vision loss by lowering intraocular pressure.
• Previous trials lacked placebo controls and had longer observation periods.
• This study addresses the need for placebo-controlled trials on visual function preservation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess visual field preservation in patients with open-angle glaucoma receiving latanoprost versus placebo.
• To evaluate the efficacy of latanoprost in preventing vision loss in a randomized, placebo-controlled setting.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, triple-masked, placebo-controlled trial involving 516 patients with newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma.
• Participants were allocated to receive either latanoprost 0.005% eye drops or placebo once daily.
• The primary outcome was time to visual field deterioration within 24 months.

Main Results:

• Latanoprost group showed a mean intraocular pressure reduction of 3.8 mm Hg versus 0.9 mm Hg in the placebo group at 24 months.
• Visual field preservation was significantly longer in the latanoprost group (adjusted hazard ratio 0.44, p=0.0003).
• No serious adverse events were attributed to the study drug.

Conclusions:

• This is the first randomized placebo-controlled trial demonstrating visual field preservation with an intraocular-pressure-lowering drug in open-angle glaucoma.
• Latanoprost effectively preserves visual function, supporting its use in managing open-angle glaucoma.
• The study design allowed for significant differences to be assessed within a relatively short observation period.