New Opportunities in Non-Preservative Glaucoma Therapy

Most of the medicines used for the treatment of glaucoma include a preservative in various concentrations. With long-term topical therapy, patients with glaucoma may develop dry eye syndrome (DES). The severity of symptoms depends on the number of drugs used and the presence of a preservative in them. Against the background of DES progression, compliance to glaucoma therapy may decrease, and, consequently, the effectiveness of the treatment may decrease. Currently, new non-preservative hypotensive drugs containing brimonidine, as well as a fixed combination (FC) of dorzolamide and timolol, are available on the market.

Purpose: to compare assessment of the hypotensive effect and tolerability of preservative-free drugs FC Dorzolamid 20 mg/ml, Timolol 5 mg/ml (Dortmol Antiglau ECO) and Brimonidine 2 mg/ml (Brim Antiglau ECO) when switching from similar drugs containing a preservative in patients with compensated glaucoma.

Patients and methods. In this prospective clinical study, 60 patients (60 eyes) with compensated primary open-angle glaucoma on combined topical therapy were examined. In group 1 (30 patients, 30 eyes), the combinations of dorzolamide / timolol or brinzolamide / timolol were switched with the non-preservative Dortmol Antiglau ECO. In group 2 (30 patients, 30 eyes), the brimonidine as part of the medication regimen were replaced with the non-preservative Brim Antiglau ECO. The level of corneal-compensated IOP was assessed before the switch in therapy and after 1 month. Subjective feelings and objective signs of the treatment’s use were monitored during examination and using a questionnaire, which was compiled to study the tolerance of therapy.

Results. Switching to a preservative-free combination of dorzolamide and timolol resulted in a reduction in complaints of irritation, lacrimation, and foreign body sensation. The efficiency control did not reveal a significant change (p > 0.05) in the cornealcompensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). When transferred to the Brim Antiglau ECO as part of the local hypotensive treatment, intraocular pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The average total score characterizing drug intolerance, when evaluated by the patient, decreased by 2.4 times, by the attending physician-by 1.9 times. The degree of conjunctival hyperemia on the MacMonnies photographic scale decreased in both groups.

Conclusion. Preservative-free drugs can be recommended for most patients with glaucoma as a starting treatment and as a replacement for current therapy. 

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