AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Latanoprost/Timolol fixed combinations(LTFC)in treatment of refractory glaucoma following vitrectomy in short period.

METHODS: In the present study, 42 eyes of 38 refractory glaucoma patients who had received vitrectomy were carried out. The patients were randomly divided into two groups after a 2-week washout period for previous antiglaucoma medication. Patients in group 1 underwent a 6-week treatment with LTFC and those in group 2 were treated with Latanoprost/Timolol unfixed combinations(LTuFC)for 6 weeks. The IOP, visual field, and mRNFL were measured after the washout period as the baseline, and after 6 weeks of therapy. Eye condition and adverse reactions were observed.

RESULTS: The mean baseline IOPs of groups 1 and 2 were respectively 37.90±3.74mmHg and 37.57±3.23mmHg. After 6 weeks, the mean IOPs were respectively 30.10±4.90mmHg and 30.62±4.62mmHg, indicating a significant reduction from the baseline(t=12.16, t=13.78, P<0.01). No difference was observed in the IOP reduction between LTFC and LTuFC(20.54%±7.88%, 18.23%±7.03%, t=0.75, P>0.05). IOP reduction was 24.87%(20 eyes), 17.46%(15 eyes), and 9.65%(7 eyes)respectively among those with open-angle glaucoma, with partially open-angle glaucoma, and with closed-angle glaucoma. The eye drops didn't have effects on the vision field and mRNFL(all P>0.05), and their main adverse reactions were eye irritation and mild hyperemia.

CONCLUSION: In refractory glaucoma, especially in open-angle or partially-open-angle glaucoma, LTFC, administered after vitrectomy, helps to reduce IOP with desirable safetly and tolerance.