Effect of brimonidine on intraocular pressure in normal tension glaucoma: a short term clinical trial.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.2% brimonidine eye drops given twice daily in normal tension glaucoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Sixteen consecutive patients fulfilling eligibility criteria (glaucomatous optic neuropathy associated with visual field defect in at least one eye, intraocular pressure (IOP) < or = 18 mmHg (average of the two highest readings of the round-the-clock curve, including one reading at midnight in supine position), no prior glaucoma therapy, angle wide open, visual acuity 20/40 or better) were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with crossover design, lasting 30 days for each treatment phase plus 15-day washout in between. Main outcome was IOP (average of the two highest readings of the round-the-clock curve).

RESULTS:

Mean IOP was significantly reduced by brimonidine (from 17.1 +/- 0.7 mm Hg to 13.9 +/- 2.2 mmHg, p<0.001 (paired Student t-test)). At the end of the 30-day brimonidine phase, 4 of 16 subjects showed a > or = 30% IOP decrease over baseline.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the short term, 0.2% brimonidine eye drops can induce a significant IOP decrease in eyes with normal tension glaucoma.

• Authors: S A Gandolfi, L Cimino, P Mora
• Journal: European journal of ophthalmology (Eur J Ophthalmol) 2003 Aug-Sep Vol. 13 Issue 7 Pg. 611-5 ISSN: 1120-6721 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14552594 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antihypertensive Agents
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Quinoxalines
• Brimonidine Tartrate

Topics

• Antihypertensive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Brimonidine Tartrate
• Cross-Over Studies
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Glaucoma, Open-Angle (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Male
• Manometry
• Middle Aged
• Ocular Hypertension (drug therapy)
• Ophthalmic Solutions
• Placebo Effect
• Prospective Studies
• Quinoxalines (therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome