The Effect of Bimatoprost Implant on Glaucoma Patients: An Observational Study

Abstract

Précis: In this retrospective study of glaucoma patients receiving the bimatoprost implant at Duke Eye Center, the number of topical intraocular pressure–lowering medications was significantly reduced through 12 months after the implant. Purpose: To study the effects of the bimatoprost implant on intraocular pressure (IOP) and the need for topical IOP-lowering medications in glaucoma patients in the clinical practice setting. Patients and Methods: Patients who received the bimatoprost implant at Duke Eye Center from November 2020 to October 2021 were identified. Exclusion criteria included addition of other IOP-lowering medications concurrent with the implant and <1 month of follow-up. The change in IOP and number of topical IOP-lowering medications from baseline to months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after the implant was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed for different glaucoma severities. Results: A total of 63 patients and 92 eyes were included (mean age 77.8 ± 10.1 years). Glaucoma severity ranged from mild (11%), moderate (30%), to severe (54%). There was a nonsignificant decrease in IOP at all timepoints. The mean number of topical IOP-lowering medications significantly decreased by 0.81, 0.75, 0.63, 0.70, and 0.67 at month 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12, respectively (all P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the total number of medications, including the bimatoprost implant. When divided by glaucoma severity, the reduction in the number of topical medications was significant at 1, 3, and 6 months for mild/moderate disease and at 1 month for severe disease. During the follow-up period, 19 eyes underwent additional laser or surgical procedures, 68% of which had a history of prior incisional glaucoma surgery. Conclusions: The bimatoprost implant may reduce the need for topical IOP-lowering agents over a 1-year period, especially in mild to moderate–stage glaucoma. The efficacy of the implant may be more limited in severe glaucoma, and further work is needed to characterize its long-term effects.