[An experience with neuroprotective therapy of primary open-angle glaucoma based on the use of different dosage forms...

Aim - to develop an algorithm to guide neuroprotective therapy in railway workers undergoing long-term follow-up for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) judging from the efficacy of sequential administration of intravenous dosage form of Mexidol and oral tablets.

All sorts of JSC Russian Railways employees with stage I-III POAG and well-controlled intraocular pressure were enrolled. Mexidol was first to be administered intravenously by a dropper in a day hospital (250 mg daily for 5 days) and then taken orally at home (125 mg t.i.d. for 3 months). A comprehensive ophthalmic examination with high-technology control was performed in all patients at their first, second, and third follow-up visits.

Data from 58 patients (96 eyes) were analyzed. Statistically significant improvements in perimetry and optical coherence tomography results were only obtained at a third visit, i.e. at the end of the course of Mexidol tablets. The treatment effect was most pronounced in stage I-II patients.

The results suggest that combination therapy with intravenous and oral Mexidol received sequentially as well as long-term (3-month) administration of Mexidol tablets can both be recommended in POAG patients. It has been also found that neuroprotective therapy with Mexidol performs best for early stages of the disease.