Tolerability and Efficacy of Eye Drops with and without Preservatives − A Comparison in Routine Clinical Practice
Insufficient patient compliance due to intolerance of the ocular preparation is a major reason for changing treatment, such as switching to preservative-free drops. The aim of the international prospective and observational study was to assess the efficacy and local tolerability within a one-year therapy of preservative-free latanoprost compared to drops containing preservatives and to determine patient satisfaction at the midpoint of treatment. During the monitoring, 3 examinations were planned: one at the study entry and two follow-up visits (at 6 and 12 months).
Evaluated Population
Data from 721 patients were available for statistical analysis. Of the total number, 64.8% (467/721) of participants changed their treatment before enrollment, 62.2% in the group with preservatives and 68.9% in the group with preservative-free latanoprost. Intraocular pressure values were similar and remained stable at all visits in both the preservative-free latanoprost group and the drops-with-preservatives group.
Results
Ocular findings and symptoms improved after the switch to preservative-free latanoprost as follows:
- The prevalence of conjunctival hyperemia was significantly lower at both follow-up examinations (p = 0.0015).
- At the first follow-up visit, 49.5% of patients who switched to preservative-free latanoprost reduced or discontinued the use of artificial tears.
- Overall, 88.9% of patients who started using preservative-free latanoprost were satisfied or very satisfied with the tolerance of the new therapy at the first follow-up visit, compared to 42.5% in the group that remained on treatment containing preservatives. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0001).
Conclusion
This first-of-its-kind study from routine clinical practice showed that preservative-free latanoprost was as effective for 12 months but better tolerated than drops containing preservatives. Patients were more satisfied, potentially leading to an improved quality of their everyday lives.
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Source: Economou M. A., Laukeland H. K., Grabska-Liberek I., Rouland J. F. Better tolerance of preservative-free latanoprost compared to preserved glaucoma eye drops: the 12-month real-life FREE study. Clin Ophthalmol 2018; 12: 2399−2407, doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S176605.
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