Effect of Prostaglandin Analogues on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters Measured With a Dynamic Scheimpflug Analyzer.

PRCIS

Treatment with topical prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) induces increased corneal compliance in glaucoma eyes measured with a dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical PGAs on the corneal biomechanical properties.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied the biomechanical parameters of 31 eyes of 19 consecutive patients with glaucoma measured using a dynamic Scheimpflug analyzer (Corvis ST) before and after initiation of treatment with topical PGAs. No patients had a history of glaucoma treatment before the study and no other antiglaucoma medication was used during the study period. Nine biomechanical parameters were evaluated before and 61.6±28.5 days (range: 21 to 105 d) after initiation of the treatment. The changes in the corneal biomechanical parameters before and after treatment were analyzed using multivariable models adjusting for intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness. The Benjamini-Hochberg method was used to correct for multiple comparison.

RESULTS

In multivariable models, PGA treatment resulted in shorter inward applanation time (P=0.016, coefficient=-0.151) and larger deflection amplitude (P=0.023, coefficient=0.055), peak distance (P=0.042, coefficient=0.131), and deformation amplitude ratio at 1 mm (P=0.018, coefficient=0.028). These associations consistently indicated increased corneal compliance (deformability) after PGA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Topical PGAs resulted in greater corneal compliance, suggesting that the changes in the corneal biomechanical properties may lead to overestimation of the intraocular pressure-lowering effects.