Effect of brimonidine on intraocular pressure in normal tension glaucoma: a short term clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.2% brimonidine eye drops given twice daily in normal tension glaucoma.


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.
Gandolfi
S A
SA
Glaucoma Research and Care Center, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. s.gandolfi@rsadvnet.it
Cimino
L
L
Mora
P
P
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008365:Manometry; D008875:Middle Aged; D009798:Ocular Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D015990:Placebo Effect; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate