AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of latanoprost versus timolol for primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)and ocular hypertension(OHT).

METHODS: This was an evidence-based medicine science study. Pertinent studies of randomized controlled trial(RCT)were identified through searches of PubMed, Medline, CNKI and China Biology Medicine disc. The intensive searching by hand and internet was also designed. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study object was limited. Quality of literatures were evaluated by experienced researchers according to the Jadad Score. RevMan 5.0 offered by Cochrane was used for Meta-analysis aimed at the ratio of low intraocular tension and adverse drug reaction.

RESULTS: A total of 9 RCT sadded up to 555 patients were involved. The results of meta-analysis showed that, a)the difference at 2, 6, 12wk both had statistical significance, latanoprost showed greater intraocular pressure(IOP)lowering efficacy compared with timolol. The weighted mean difference(WMD)at 2, 6, 12wk was respectively \〖-0.76, 95% CI(-1.32 to -0.20)\〗, \〖-1.15, 95% CI(-1.68 to 0.63)\〗 and \〖-1.01, 95% CI(-1.42 to -0.61)\〗. b)The difference in conjunctival congestion(OR=2.25, 95% CI 0.99 to 5.08)and foreign body sensation(OR=2.48, 95% CI 1.02 to 6.03 )between latanoprost and timolol group was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Latanoprost showed greater IOP lowering efficacy at 12wk compared with timolol for OAG and OH patients. The conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, iris pigmentation deepened, vision damage of latanoprost group at 12wk compared with timolol, the difference was not significant. This conclusion is not powerful enough in proof due to the medium methodology quality of the included studies, so a large number of high-quality RCTs with large sample are needed for objectively, precisely and entirely evaluating the efficacy.