Ocular Hypotensive Effects and Safety over 3 Months of Switching from an Unfixed Combination to Latanoprost 0.005%/Timolol Maleate 0.5% Fixed Combination

Abstract Purpose: Latanoprost 0.005%/timolol maleate 0.5% combination eye drops are now available in Japan. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prospective intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction effects and adherence with the combination eye drops in Japanese patients. Methods: The subjects were 162 patients (162 eyes) with glaucoma or ocular hypertension concomitantly using latanoprost 0.005% and timolol maleate 0.5% eye drops. Concomitant use of the 2 eye drops was stopped, and patients were switched to the latanoprost 0.005%/timolol maleate 0.5% combination eye drops without any washout period. IOP was measured before the switch, and at 1 and 3 months after the switch, and then compared. A questionnaire survey on adherence was also conducted 1 month after the switch. Results: IOP was the same before and after the switch: 15.2±3.3 mmHg before the switch, 14.9±3.0 mmHg 1 month after the switch, and 15.1±3.2 mmHg 3 months after the switch. According to the questionnaire survey, the frequency...