Switching from latanoprost to preservative‐free tafluprost

AbstractOcular signs and symptoms of irritation may be of concern for glaucoma patients using preserved eye drops over long term. Jeannen et. al. have shown that switching from preserved beta‐blockers to preservative free beta‐blockers reduces these signs and symptoms in a statistically significant manner(1). This open‐label, multinational, phase IIIb study investigated the changes in ocular signs and symptoms when patients were switched from preserved latanoprost 0.005% to preservative‐free tafluprost 0.0015% (q.d. at 20:00) for 12 weeks. Patients with open‐angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who had received latanoprost for at least 6 months and had at least 2 ocular symptoms or one symptom and one sign were enrolled (n=158). Change from screening in ocular signs and symptoms were main endpoints. (1)Jeannen at. al. Eur J Ophthalmol 2007; 17(3): 341‐49