Introduction. Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) is an intraocular pressure
lowering method that is overall safe and powerful, but often complicated
by transient postoperative intraocular pressure rises. In prevention of
this complication, we frequently use two potent alpha-adrenergic agonists
- brimonidine and apraclonidine. Objective. The aim of this study was to
compare brimonidine 0.2% and apraclonidine 0.5% efficacy and safety in
prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after ALT. Methods. This was a
prospective, randomized, double-masked and comparative study. This study
included 27 POAG patients, 15 received 0.2% brimonidine, and 12 received
0.5% apraclonidine before laser surgery (22 eyes in both groups).
Intraocular pressure readings were taken 1, 2, 3, 24 hours and 7 days
after ALT. Student?s t-test was used to analyze data between two groups, and
?2 test to compare data within groups. Value p less than 0.05 was considered
statistically significant. Results. We found statistically significantly
lower IOP in eyes that received 0.2% brimonidine at readings taken 1 hour
after ALT (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in
other IOP readings between two groups. Conclusion. A single preoperative
drop of brimonidine 0.2% had similar efficacy and safety as apraclonidine
0.5% in preventing transient IOP elevations after ALT.
Prevention of intraocular pressure elevation after argon laser trabeculoplasty in primary open angle glaucoma
