Crossover randomized study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of preservative-free Tafluprost 0.0015% to Latanoprost 0.005% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and the tolerability of preservative-free Tafluprost 0.0015% (TP) vs Latanoprost 0.005% (LP) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Prospective, randomized, crossover study included patients with early POAG attending the outpatient clinic from July 2019 to February 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A included patients receiving TP and group B receiving LP. After 2 months, treatment was stopped for 1 month (washout period) then drops were switched between the groups for further 2 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded at baseline and monthly until 5 months. Efficacy was measured by the IOP reduction at the end of each treatment period. Tolerability was assessed both subjectively (questionnaire on ocular comfort) and objectively (ocular findings) at the end of each period. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients were allocated into two groups (15 patients each). There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in baseline clinical examinations. All the eyes in both groups achieved IOP reduction >20% compared to baseline values, with no statistically significant difference in between. Corneal erosions and conjunctival hyperemia were significantly higher in LP-treated eyes throughout the study, regardless of the sequence. Tear break-up time scores significantly worsened after LP at the 2(nd) and 5(th) month (P < 0.001and P = 0.026 respectively) but not after TP treatment (P = 0.719 and P = 0.164). Significant exacerbation in all patients’ symptoms was noticed on switching from TP to LP. CONCLUSION: Tafluprost was proved to exhibit a comparable effect on IOP control in POAG patients, as Latanoprost drops resulted in marked alleviation in both subjective and objective ocular discomfort manifestations.