Effect of latanoprost on intraocular pressure following cataract extraction.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of latanoprost 0.005% with that of a placebo (balanced salt solution [BSS]) applied after phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP).


METHODS
Pasco Eye Institute, New Port Richey, Florida, USA.


METHODS
A group of patients having cataract extraction by phacoemulsification was randomized following surgery to receive one drop of latanoprost 0.005% (1.5 micrograms) or a placebo (BSS). Exclusion criteria included ocular diagnosis in addition to cataract, previous eye surgery, history of glaucoma, previous use of glaucoma medications, or vitreous loss during surgery. Standard phacoemulsification was performed through a scleral tunnel approach and a one-piece, poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens implanted in the capsular bag. Approximately 24 hours after surgery, IOP was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer by the surgeon. The anterior chamber reaction was qualitatively graded from 1+ to 4+.


RESULTS
The study included 103 eyes (latanoprost = 53; control = 50). Latanoprost treatment resulted in significantly lower postoperative (IOP) (16.4 mm Hg +/- 3.7 [SD]) than preoperative IOP (17.9 +/- 3.0 mm Hg) (P < .025). There was no decrease in postoperative IOP in the control group (18.2 +/- 3.5 mm Hg) compared with preoperative IOP (18.3 +/- 2.6 mm Hg). When two groups were compared, postoperative IOP after treatment with latanoprost was significantly less than control IOP (P < .01). Preoperative IOP was not significantly different in the placebo and latanoprost groups. Anterior chamber reaction was not increased by latanoprost; it averaged 1+ in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Latanoprost may pharmacologically enhance uveoscleral outflow immediately after cataract extraction. In this study, latanoprost was a safe, effective method of reducing postoperative IOP.
Scherer
W J
WJ
Pasco Eye Institute, New Port Richey, Florida 34652, USA.
Mielke
D L
DL
Tidwell
P E
PE
Hauber
F A
FA
D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D000077338:Latanoprost; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011461:Prostaglandins F, Synthetic; D000077338:Latanoprost; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate