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Eye drop yields significant IOP reduction 6 hours after phacoemulsification
Eur J Ophthalmol. 2010;20(6):994-999.
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A single dose of brimonidine significantly reduced IOP elevation but did not prevent spikes in glaucomatous eyes undergoing phacoemulsification, a study found.
“Therefore, it seems that there is a necessity for additional preventive measures,” the study authors said “Brimonidine in a more potent dosing scheme could be a promising candidate for this purpose. Another possible choice for prophylaxis in this high-risk glaucoma population could be the use of oral acetazolamide.”
After final patient selection, the prospective randomized study included 84 eyes of 76 patients. Fifty-six eyes of 48 patients received one drop of brimonidine 0.2%. A control group of 28 eyes of 28 patients received one drop of artificial tears. Investigators assessed IOP at baseline, before surgery, and 6 and 12 hours after surgery.
Study results showed that in both groups, IOP readings between baseline and 6 hours after surgery and 6 hours and 24 hours were statistically significant (both P < .01).
At 6 hours after surgery, the brimonidine group had a mean IOP of 18.52 mm Hg and the control group had a mean IOP of 20.86 mm Hg. Thirteen eyes in the brimonidine group and nine control eyes had IOP elevation of more than 5 mm Hg at 6 hours. Three eyes in the brimonidine group and three control eyes had IOP elevation of more than 10 mm Hg.
IOP reduction was statistically significant in the brimonidine group at 6 hours (P = .009).