Retrospective study of topical medical treatment for glaucoma

AIM:To document the change in pattern of topical anti-glaucoma medicine by retrospective analysis in the outpatient of a local tertiary eye hospital(Second People's Hospital of Foshan)in China during 2009-2016. METHODS: The data of topical anti-glaucoma medications in outpatients in our hospital were collected from January 1st 2009 to December 31st 2016. These data were analyzed retrospectively. The main outcome measures were the percentages of prescriptions for all kinds of anti-glaucoma medications, the ratio of the mono-therapy and combination therapies, and the defined daily doses. RESULTS: The ratio of beta-adrenergic receptor blocker declined from 81.51% in 2009 to 69.37% in 2016. The use of cholinergic agent decreased from 12.04% in 2009 to 3.78% in 2016. The prostaglandin derivatives increased from 8.40% in 2009 to 31.40% in 2016. Alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonists increased from 0 in 2009 to 29.44% in 2016. Local carbonic anhydrase inhibitors changed slightly. The proportion of mono-therapy was reduced from 65.83% in 2009 to 46.22% in 2016. The ration of two agents combination increased from 32.49% in 2009 to 38.77% in 2016. The three medications combination was increased from 1.68% in 2009 to 12.96% in 2016. The proportion of four medications combination increased from 0 in 2009 to 1.97% in 2016, while the combined use of five drugs was an isolated case. CONCLUSION: The proportion of topical anti-glaucoma agents has changed remarkably. The beta-adrenergic receptor blockers and cholinergic medications are decreasing, while the prostaglandin derivatives and alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonists are increasing. The proportion of mono-therapy is declining, while the combined therapies are rising