Topical brimonidine reduces collateral damage caused by laser photocoagulation for choroidal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of brimonidine applied topically to the eyes of patients undergoing laser treatment for extrafoveal or juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
In this prospective, controlled, double-masked pilot study, 20 eyes were randomized to receive either brimonidine 0.2% (study group, 11 eyes) or placebo (matched control group, 9 eyes). Medications were topically applied twice a day during a period of 4-48 h before laser treatment and were continued for 1 month.


RESULTS
Two eyes in each group had severe visual loss owing to recurrence of CNV. In the remaining 16 eyes there was a significant improvement in the study group, but no improvement in the control group (P=0.027).


CONCLUSIONS
Topical brimonidine improves the visual outcome of laser-treated classic extrafoveal or juxtafoveal CNV, possibly by protecting the neuroretina against collateral damage caused by the laser treatment.
Ferencz
Joseph R
JR
Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, 44281 Kfar-Saba, Israel. ferencz@zahav.net.il
Gilady
Gila
G
Harel
Orly
O
Belkin
Michael
M
Assia
Ehud I
EI
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000601:surgery*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate