[Alterations of intraocular pressure in comparison of self- and external-administered topical antiglaucomatosa during diurnal intraocular pressure measurements]

Abstract

Background: The correct self-administration of topical antiglaucomatous eye drops is important for the success of glaucoma treatment. Individual impairment, like increased age, decreased visual acuity, impaired visual-field perception or the frequency of drug appliance may influence a correct application technique and the patients compliance and therewith intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this study was to explore alterations of IOP due to self versus external administration (by trained medical personnel) of topical antiglaucomatous eye drops due to impairing factors.

Material and methods: A prospective analysis was undertaken of 123 patients with primary chronic open-angle glaucoma receiving a diurnal intraocular pressure (DIP) measurement over 72 hours at our department. During the first 24 hours, the application of topical eye drops was self-administered by patients (SA), while the application of eye drops within the following 48 hours was performed by trained medical personnel (EA). Alterations of mean intraocular pressure (MIP) and diurnal fluctuations (DF) between EA and SA were analysed with regard to initial IOP, restrictions of visual field perception, visual acuity, age, general health status and frequency of daily eye drop administration.

Results: Overall comparable MIP in SA and EA was seen. 19.2-43.9 % of the patients with an initial IOP ≥ 11 mmHg showed beneficial effects of EA with lowering of IOP under 15.5 mmHg. 27.6 % of the patients showed lowering of DF < 5 mmHg due to EA. EA influenced DF beneficially in cases of poor visual acuity (≤ 0.1, - 0.8 mmHg) and frequent drop administration (- 0.75 mmHg).

Conclusions: Subpopulations of investigated patients showed lowering of MIP due to EA, although EA showed no MIP lowering effects in comparison with SA in general. Glaucoma-impaired patients show decreased DF by EA. Particularly beneficial influences to DF by EA were observed due to impaired visual acuity and frequent drop administration. We recommend a 72-hour DIP to evaluate individual parameters influencing the success of topical glaucomatous treatment. The benefit of EA in patients with certain impairments should be the subject of further investigations.