The long-acting Ocusert-pilocarpine system in the management of glaucoma.

The Ocusert-pilocarpine devides with seven days' therapeutic duration were compared with pilocarpine eye drops for efficacy and ocular tolerance in the management of glaucoma in 16 patients. Magnitude of pressure reduction with release rates of 20 mcg. and 40 mcg. of pilocarpine per hour were as effective in the treatment of glaucoma as 2 per cent and 4 per cent pilocarpine eye drops, respectively. Ocular tolerance and retention in the human eyes were good. There were no appreciable side effects other than the occasional sudden leakage phenomenon encountered. Further refinement of the Ocusert-pilocarpine device to reduce the incidence of leakage would not only ensure precision in the rate of drug release, but would also expand its clinical application.