Use of bifemelane hydrochloride in improving and maintaining the visual field of patients with glaucoma

We investigated the change of visual fields in 40 patients with primary or secondary glaucoma. No limitations were placed on the type of angular glaucoma (ie, open or closed). The intraocular pressure of the patients had been controlled at < 20 mm Hg for 2 years before the study, and patients with normal-tension glaucoma also were included. We evaluated the effect of 48 months of treatment with bifemelane hydrochloride, 150 mg/d in three divided doses, on 20 patients with glaucoma. The control group included 20 glaucoma patients whose intraocular pressure had been controlled at < 20 mm Hg for 2 years before the study by the instillation or oral administration of an intraocular hypotensive agent. They had not received any oral agent, such as a cerebral circulation metabolism activator. Results showed that the visual field was improved in 14 (70%) of 20 patients who received bifemelane hydrochloride, whereas the visual field was improved in 4 (20%) of 20 patients in the control group. More patients in the bifemelane hydrochloride group had improved visual fields than in the control group; differences between groups were significant. In addition, an evaluation of the visual field with the use of the Kosaki and Inoue classification showed improvement in all patients in stages IIa to V. We conclude that this drug is useful for maintaining and improving the disturbed visual field of patients in whom the intraocular pressure can be maintained at < 20 mm Hg and in patients who can tolerate 150 mg/d in three separate doses.