Randomized double blind comparative study of nipradilol, an alfa-1,beta-blocker with a nitric oxide donative action, and timolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, on the visual field in Japanese patients with normal-tension glaucoma.

INTERVENTION: 1 drop of 0.25% nipradilol ophthalmic solution is used in each eye two times a day for 3 years. 1 drop of 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solution is used in each eye two times a day for 3 years. CONDITION: Normal Tension Glaucoma PRIMARY OUTCOME: O'Brien score of each patient derived from the regression coefficient against time of mean sensitivity (MD value) by cluster measured using the Humphrey Field Analyzer C30‐2 SECONDARY OUTCOME: ‐Regression coefficient of MD value against time; ‐Regression coefficient of MD value against time by cluster; ‐Regression coefficient of corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) value against time; ‐Time to event of progression of visual field defect; ‐Intraocular pressure; ‐Time to occurrence of optic disc hemorrhage; ‐Time to occurrence of optic disc progression INCLUSION CRITERIA: ‐Patients with normal‐tension glaucoma in one eye or both eyes who meet the following criteria: 1)Untreated intraocular pressure at visit is 18 mmHg or less 2)MD values measured using the Humphrey Field Analyzer C30‐2 are ‐15.0 dB or higher in both eyes 3)At least one of the eyes meets the following criteria regarding the visual field: (1)MD value is ‐12.0 dB or higher (2)Meets Caprioli's criteria for "moderate" ‐Male and female subjects between 20 and 60 years of age