The effectiveness of latanoprost for the treatment of pediatric glaucoma

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2alpha analog that reduces intraocular pressure by 20-40% in adults with open-angle glaucoma. The efficacy and safety of this drug in children has not been widely reported. In our study we evaluated the effect of latanoprost in 14 children aged 12-18 years (mean 15 years): 10 patients with glaucoma juvenile (I group); 2 patients with secondary glaucoma because of uveitis recidivans and 2 patients with aniridia and albinismus (II group). In the I group the average IOP decrement was 9 mmHg or 36.5% (range 29-44%). In the II group the average IOP decrement was 6.5 mmHg or 23.5% (range 11-33%). In one child with aniridia after one year of treatment IOL rose again to 26 mmHg and antiglaucomatous surgery was necessary. Ocular side effects in children of latanoprost are mild.