Influence of Prostaglandins on Ocular Blood Flow in Glaucoma Patients

Vasoactivity of topical drugs may be of prognostic relevance in glaucoma. There is very little information for a major class, the prostaglandin analogues with regard to this aspect. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of travoprost 0.004% and latanoprost 0.005% on choroidal blood flow and retinal vascular diameter in glaucoma patients. After washout of current topical medication, intraocular pressure (IOP) in both eyes (Goldmann applanation tonometry), choroidal blood flow (laser Doppler flowmetry) and retinal vessel diameter (Retinal Vessel Analyzer) in one randomly selected eye will be measured at baseline, after two weeks and after 4 weeks of treatment with travoprost or latanoprost QD, in a randomized, double masked 2-way cross-over study in 20 open angle glaucoma patients.