The effect of prostaglandin analogs on the biomechanical properties and central thickness of the cornea of patients with open-angle glaucoma: a 3-year study on 108 eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) on the biomechanical properties (corneal hysteresis [CH], corneal resistance factor [CRF]) and central corneal thickness (CCT) of patients with open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 108 eyes were prospectively included for repeated measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) with Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and ocular response analyzer (ORA), CCT, followed by CH and CRF measurements by the ORA, during the same visit. Of these, 66 were treated with latanoprost, and 42 were treated with latanoprost and timolol. IOP, CH, CRF, and CCT were measured before treatment and at 6-month intervals. RESULTS: It appears that under local PGA treatment, IOP values decreased and CH and CCT significantly increased, whereas CRF did not. CCT slightly but significantly increased at all time points of the study (0.50–3.00 μm and 1.50–5.50 μm), and we observed a constant significant increase in CH (0.4–0.7 mmHg and 0.65–0.95 mmHg). Concerning the correlation of GAT IOP with CCT and CH, it was found that at the time points 0, 1, and 2 there were statistically significant correlations. CONCLUSION: The changes of CCT and CH under PGA treatment in clinical practice may influence IOP measurements and patient follow-up significantly. This should be investigated further to confirm the relationship between corneal properties and treatment of open-angle glaucoma.