Meta-analysis highlights most effective treatments for normal tension glaucoma

A recent systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the long-term effectiveness of various treatments for normal tension glaucoma in controlling intraocular pressure (IOP).

The study evaluated data from 795 patients (997 eyes) across randomized controlled trials, focusing on treatments with a duration of >12 weeks. Eight medications, including topical agents and an oral drug, were assessed.

Palmitoylethanolamide, an oral treatment, demonstrated the highest efficacy for long-term IOP control. It was followed by the prostaglandin analogues travoprost and latanoprost, and the beta-blockers nipradilol and timolol. Medications such as brimonidine, unoprostone isopropyl, and brovincamine showed more limited effectiveness.

The study suggests Palmitoylethanolamide, could be a valuable option for patients with normal tension glaucoma, either as a primary or adjunctive treatment.

Reference
Yang TK, Kuo HT, Ju YJ, et al. Comparative analysis of medical treatments for long-term control of normal tension glaucoma: A systematic review and model-based network meta-analysis. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2024;doi: 10.1111/ceo.14447. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39385332.