Effect of Topical Travoprost 0.004% Drops on Central Corneal Thickness in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Introduction Glaucoma refers to a spectrum of progressive optic neuropathies that damage the retinal ganglion cells and retinal nerve fiber layer, resulting in characteristic changes in the optic nerve head. It is typically associated with intraocular pressure (IOP)-related damage to the optic nerve head. Recent studies have indicated that reduced central corneal thickness (CCT) is a significant risk factor for open-angle glaucoma. Some studies have also documented a notable reduction in CCT in glaucomatous eyes treated with prostaglandin F2α. We aimed to determine the frequency of decreased CCT with topical travoprost 0.004% drops in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Materials and methods A descriptive case series of primary open-angle glaucoma patients was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, from November 1, 2021, to May 1, 2022. A total of 117 patients of both genders with primary open-angle glaucoma were included in the study. All patients were prescribed topical travoprost 0.004% once daily in the evening in one or both eyes as first-line medication. All patients were followed, and CCT was measured after 10 weeks using ultrasound pachymetry, and CCT was noted. Data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 22 (IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Decreased CCT was stratified by age, gender, and baseline CCT. The post-stratification chi-square test was applied, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In this study, 63 (53.8%) participants were male and 54 (46.2%) were female. The age range included in the study was from 18 to 70 years, with a mean age of 56.794 ± 7.06 years and a mean baseline CCT of 542.059 ± 7.25 µm. Decreased CCT was observed in seven (6%) patients. Conclusions Decreased CCT (30 µm or more) was observed in seven (6%) patients. Early CCT reduction with travoprost is usually subclinical, with only 6% of eyes showing ≥30 µm decrease. Although generally mild, such changes may influence IOP readings and glaucoma management, warranting further long-term study of prostaglandin effects on the cornea.