Efficacy of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% ophthalmic solution in reducing halos after laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
To quantitatively evaluate the effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (Alphagan) on halo and pupil size in patients who had symptomatic night-vision difficulties after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
Nune Eye Hospital, Seoul, Korea.


METHODS
This study comprised 28 eyes of 14 patients with symptomatic night-vision difficulties after LASIK. Pupil diameter was measured with a Colvard pupillometer (Oasis Medical, Inc.). Quantitative analysis of halos was performed by measuring the area using a new computerized method. Pupil size and halo size were evaluated under scotopic and normal room light conditions. Alphagan was administered, and the effect was measured after 30 minutes and 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant correlation between pupil size and halo size (r = 0.527; P<.0001; slope = 691.6 pixel/mm). Pupil size and halo size decreased significantly 30 minutes after Alphagan instillation under both luminance conditions (all P< .0001). Under normal room light, the pupil and halo remained decreased until the last measurement at 24 hours. Under scotopic conditions, the pupil returned to its preinstillation size at 24 hours while the halo remained decreased. The maximum effect on halos was observed after 6 hours, when the mean reduction over preinstillation size was 28.2% and 29.1% under normal room light conditions and scotopic conditions, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Alphagan effectively reduced halo size and pupil size in postoperative LASIK patients with night-vision symptoms.
Lee
Ji Hoon
JH
Yonsei Eye Clinic, Seoul, Korea.
You
Yong Sung
YS
Choe
Chul Myong
CM
Lee
Eun Suk
ES
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000328:Adult; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D009755:Night Blindness / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects; D011810:Quinoxalines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011810:Quinoxalines; D000068438:Brimonidine Tartrate