Comparison of Ocular Pulse Amplitude Lowering Effects of Preservative-Free Tafluprost and Preservative-Free Dorzolamide-Timolol Fixed Combination Eyedrops

PURPOSE To compare the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) lowering effects of preservative-free tafluprost and dorzolamide-timolol fixed combination (DTFC) using dynamic contour tonometry. METHODS In total, 66 eyes of 66 patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) (n = 34) or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (n = 32) were included. Patients were divided into two groups: the preservative-free tafluprost-treated group (n = 33) and the preservative-free DTFC-treated group (n = 33). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). OPA was measured using dynamic contour tonometry; corrected OPA (cOPA) was calculated at baseline and at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS After 6 months of treatment, tafluprost significantly reduced IOP (P < 0.001). The OPA lowering effects differed significantly between the two treatment groups (P = 0.003). The cOPA-lowering effect of tafluprost (1.09 mmHg) was significantly greater than that of DTFC (0.36 mmHg) after 6 months of treatment (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Tafluprost and DTFC glaucoma treatments provided marked OPA and IOP lowering effects. Tafluprost had a greater effect than DTFC; thus, this drug is recommended for patients at risk of glaucoma progression, due to the high OPA caused by large fluctuations in IOP.