Ophthalmologists in private practice in the continental United States
with an active glaucoma population selected patients who underwent a screening
evaluation, which included a comfort question regarding current dorzolamide use
(1-6 rating). Patients had their
dorzolamide replaced with brinzolamide, and returned approximately one to three
months later. At this return
visit, patients were again asked about comfort, their preference, and whether
they thought that comfort influenced their treatment adherence. Intraocular pressure was measured at
both visits.
Results
Valid data (baseline and follow-up dates provided) was received for 447
patients from 68 sites. There was
a mean decrease in intraocular pressure of approximately 0.8 mm Hg (p = 0.0001,
paired t-test). Sixty nine percent of patients (274/397) had an improvement of
one grade or more (up to 5 grade improvement) in their comfort rating when
using brinzolamide. The mean improvement in ratings was 1.41 ± 1.48 grades (p =
0.0001, paired t-test).
When asked whether their treatment adherence was affected by burning and
stinging, 43% of patients (173/399) stated “Yes”. Fifty nine percent (251/424 patients) preferred
brinzolamide. Seventy three
percent of patients (301/410 responding) were continued on brinzolamide.
Conclusion
In summary, changing patients from dorzolamide to brinzolamide resulted
in an overall improvement in comfort, and similar ocular hypotensive efficacy.
Disclosure: The study was
sponsored by Alcon Laboratories.
The authors have no financial interest in the products studied.