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Original Research

Signs and symptoms of ocular surface status in glaucoma patients switched from timolol 0.5% to brinzolamide 1%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination: a 6-month efficacy and tolerability, multicenter, open-label prospective study

, , , , , , , & show all
Pages 685-690 | Published online: 09 Mar 2011
 

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the impact of switching glaucoma patients from timolol 0.5% to brinzolamide 1%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination (Brinz/Tim FC) on quality of life and on ocular surface status; to assess efficacy after the switch.

Methods: 6-month, multicenter, open-label, prospective, switch study in 119 early to moderate glaucoma patients. Intraocular pressure (IOP), tear film break-up time (TF-BUT), fluorescein staining and Glaucoma Symptom Scale (GSS) questionnaire were recorded at baseline and after 6 months.

Results: Median (interquartile range) IOP significantly decreased from 20 to 16 mmHg, independent of sex and age. Most patients (95.8%) reached an IOP < 18 mmHg. TF-BUT improved, with a negative weak correlation to age at baseline and at 6 months. The percentage of patients with no fluorescein staining improved. The quality of life recorded by GSS also improved, being related both to age and corneal staining.

Conclusion: Brinz/Tim FC is effective and well tolerated. In this study, patients switched to Brinz/Tim FC obtained further reduction in IOP with no effects on ocular surface status and improved quality of life perception: a better quality of life could determine a better adherence to prescribed therapy.

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