Medical control of intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of oral acetazolamide, topical brinzolamide 1%, and no ocular hypotensive medication after phacoemulsification. SETTING: Adnan Menderes University Department of Ophthalmology, Aydin, Turkey. METHODS: This prospective randomized double-blind study comprised 60 eyes of 52 patients having phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia. There were no intraoperative complications. Eyes were randomized to receive oral acetazolamide 500 mg 1 hour preoperatively followed by 250 mg acetazolamide every 6 hours, 1 drop of brinzolamide 1% every 12 hours starting immediately after speculum removal, or no ocular hypotensive medication. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a Perkins tonometer preoperatively and 4 to 6 hours and 18 to 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The preoperative IOP was not significantly different between the 3 groups. Four to 6 hours postoperatively, the acetazolamide group (P=.002) and brinzolamide group (P=.001) had significantly lower IOP than the control group. The same trend was observed at 18 to 24 hours in the brinzolamide group (P=.001) but not the acetazolamide group (P=.018). The IOP levels were not significantly different between the acetazolamide group and brinzolamide group at any postoperative time point. No eye receiving medication and 2 eyes (10%) in the control group had an IOP of 30 mm Hg or higher 4 to 6 hours postoperatively. Compared with preoperatively, an IOP increase of more than 5 mm Hg was seen at 4 to 6 hours in 3 eyes (15%), 2 eyes (10%), and 14 eyes (70%) in the acetazolamide, brinzolamide, and control group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Brinzolamide was as effective as acetazolamide in preventing IOP elevation 4 to 6 hours after phacoemulsification and more effective than acetazolamide at 18 to 24 hours.     

抗青光眼药物对粘弹剂辅助白内障超声乳化手术后眼压的作用

目的:探讨抗青光眼药物在防治粘弹剂辅助白内障超声乳化手术后早期眼压升高中的作用。方法:150例150眼白内障患者行玻璃酸钠辅助超声乳化术,术程顺利无并发症。按术后抗青光眼药物将患者随机分为5组:10g/L派立明组,2g/L阿法根组,口服醋氮酰胺250mg组,5g/L噻马心安组及未用药组(空白对照组)。术前、术后6,12,24h及1wk测量眼压。结果:术前各组间眼压均值无明显差别。术后6,12h及24h用药组眼压较对照组低(P<0.01),术后6h各组眼压均升高,以对照组显著。各组术后12h眼压达峰值。此时眼压>21mmHg所占比例,抗青光眼药物组各组间比较无差异,对照组明显高于其它组。术后24h用药组眼压均降低,对照组仍保持高值。术后1wk,各组间无明显差异。结论:抗青光眼药物对玻璃酸钠辅助超声乳化手术后引起的眼压增高均有降低作用。     

Effect of intracameral acetylcholine on latanoprost in preventing ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intracameral acetylcholine on latanoprost in preventing ocular hypertension in the early period after phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China. METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated cataract having phacoemulsification with PC IOL implantation were included in this prospective randomized double-masked clinical trial. The eyes were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on postoperative application of latanoprost 0.005% alone (Group 1), latanoprost 0.005% with intracameral acetylcholine (Group 2), intracameral acetylcholine alone (Group 3), and no medication (controls (Group 4). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured 3 and 24 hours postoperatively. The anterior chamber was examined for the level of cells and flare using slitlamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Three and 24 hours after surgery, the decrease in mean IOP in eyes receiving latanoprost alone was not statistically significantly different from that in control eyes (P >.05). Eyes receiving intracameral acetylcholine alone had a significant decrease in the mean IOP at 3 hours (P <.05) but not at 24 hours compared to control eyes (P >.05). There were no significant differences in the mean postoperative IOP decrease between eyes receiving latanoprost with intracameral acetylcholine and those receiving intracameral acetylcholine alone (P >.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single application of latanoprost did not significantly lower IOP in the first 24 hours after phacoemulsification with PC IOL implantation. Eyes receiving intracameral acetylcholine alone had a significantly greater decrease in IOP than control eyes at 3 hours but not at 24 hours. The addition of intracameral acetylcholine to latanoprost did not enhance or reduce latanoprost's IOP-lowering effect.     

Effect of topical brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.2% on intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of brinzolamide 1% (Azopt) and brimonidine 0.2% (Alphagan) with a placebo in preventing an early increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University, School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: In this prospective double-masked study, 90 eyes of 90 patients having clear corneal phacoemulsification were randomly divided into 3 groups of 30 eyes each. One hour before surgery, 1 group received 1 drop of brinzolamide 1%, another received 1 drop of brimonidine 0.2%, and the third received 1 drop of a balanced saline solution (placebo). The IOP was measured preoperatively and 3 and 16 to 20 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Three hours postoperatively, the mean IOP increased by 4.2 mm Hg +/- 7.0 (SD), 3.2 +/- 6.4 mm Hg, and 5.3 +/- 4.2 mm Hg in the brinzolamide, brimonidine, and placebo groups, respectively. The IOP increase from baseline was significant in all 3 groups (all P<.01), with no difference between the groups (P>.05). The change in IOP at 16 to 20 hours was 0.2 +/- 2.8 mm Hg, 0.2 +/- 2.4 mm Hg, and -0.8 +/- 2.4 mm Hg, respectively. The changes were not significant compared to baseline (all P>.05). Six eyes (20%) in the brinzolamide group, 5 eyes (16.7%) in the brimonidine group, and 7 eyes (23.3%) in the placebo group had an IOP higher than 25 mm Hg 3 hours postoperatively; the difference between groups was not significant (P =.8). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of 1 drop of brinzolamide or brimonidine was not more effective than a placebo in controlling early postoperative IOP elevations after clear corneal phacoemulsification.     

Comparison of ocular hypotensive effect and safety of brinzolamide and timolol added to latanoprost

PURPOSE: To compare the ocular hypotensive effect and safety of brinzolamide and timolol added to latanoprost monotherapy. METHODS: In prospective randomized fashion, we evaluated the ocular hypotensive effect and safety of brinzolamide or timolol in 1 eye of 32 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, or ocular hypertension who had been treated with latanoprost for more than 1 month. Intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, and pulse were measured before and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Corneal endothelial cell density was measured at baseline and at 12 weeks. RESULTS: The IOP was 17.8+/-1.7 mm Hg (mean+/-SD) before the addition of brinzolamide (n=15) and 15.7+/-2.1 mm Hg at 12 weeks (P<0.01). In comparison, the IOP was 18.5+/-3.7 mm Hg before the addition of timolol (n=15) and 15.8+/-3.2 mm Hg at 12 weeks (P<0.01). Both brinzolamide and timolol significantly decreased IOP at 12 weeks, by a mean of 2.0 mm Hg and mean 2.7 mm Hg, respectively, and were more effective than latanoprost alone (P<0.01), but there were no significant differences between the drugs and no significant differences in corneal endothelial cell density and blood pressure before and after addition of either drug. At 12 weeks, pulse was decreased in patients receiving timolol (P<0.01). As systemic adverse events, there was one instance of malar flushing after brinzolamide addition and episodes of chest discomfort after timolol addition in 1 patient. Ocular adverse events were slight. CONCLUSIONS: Brinzolamide and timolol added to latanoprost have similar ocular hypotensive effects and safety in primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, or ocular hypertension.     

Medical control of intraocular pressure with brinzolamide 1% after phacoemulsification

Background: To compare the effectiveness of only 1 drop of topical brinzolamide 1% with dosing every 12 hours and with no ocular hypotensive medication following clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery.Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was composed of 60 eyes of 60 patients who underwent uneventful clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia. There were no intraoperative complications. Eyes were randomized to receive only 1 drop of topical brinzolamide 1% immediately after surgery, 1 drop of brinzolamide 1% every 12 (q12h) hours starting immediately after speculum removal, or no ocular hypotensive medication (control group). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and at 4 to 6 hours and 18 to 24 hours postoperatively by a Perkins tonometer.Results: Preoperative IOP was not significantly different among the 3 groups. IOPs of both the brinzolamide 1 drop group (p = 0.000) and the brinzolamide q12h group (p = 0.001) were significantly lower than those of the control group at 4 to 6 hours postoperatively. The same result was observed at 18 to 24 hours postoperatively in the brinzolamide q12h group (p = 0.001) but not the brinzolamide 1 drop group (p = 0.489). The brinzolamide q12h group had significantly lower IOP compared with the brinzolamide 1 drop group (p = 0.000) at 18 to 24 hours postoperatively. None of the eyes in the medication groups, but 1 eye (5%) in the control group, had postoperative IOP elevation ≥30 mm Hg at 4 to 6 hours; such an elevation was not encountered at postoperative 18 to 24 hours. Preoperative to postoperative IOP increase of >5 mm Hg at 4 to 6 hours postoperatively was seen in 4 (20%), 4 (20%), and 14 (70%) eyes in the brinzolamide 1 drop group, the brinzolamide q12h group, and the control group, respectively.Interpretation: The current study reveals that 1 drop of brinzolamide 1% is sufficient to control IOP within the first 4 to 6 hours following uneventful phacoemulsification, whereas 12-hour dosing is necessary for prolonged control of IOP.     

A short term study of the additive effect of timolol and brimonidine on intraocular pressure

PURPOSE: To evaluate the additive ocular hypotensive effect of the combination of brimonidine and timolol on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in patients with glaucoma. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-masked, crossover study in 20 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) on therapy receiving timolol maleate 0.5% twice daily, with IOP greater than or equal to 22 mmHg in one eye. The treatment period was 3 weeks and during this period timolol + brimonidine or timolol + placebo were applied topically twice daily and IOP, blood pressure, heart rate and pupil size were measured. RESULTS: Combined therapy (timolol + brimonidine) had clinically significant IOP-lowering effect during the treatment period P < 0.01). The mean diurnal IOP was significantly reduced by an average of 5.1-5.9 mmHg (21.2-24.5%) compared with baseline value. The timolol + placebo combination had no clinically significant IOP-lowering effect (P > 0.05). No clinically significant side effects were observed during the treatment of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the combination of topically applied brimonidine and timolol cause a marked and sustained IOP reduction.     

The short-term effect of adding brimonidine 0.2% to timolol treatment in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Brimonidine, a highly selective alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, was studied to determine its ocular hypotensive effect and side effects in patients with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) while on continuing therapy with timolol. This was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study in 15 patients with primary open-angle or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma on therapy receiving timolol 0.5% twice daily, with IOP greater than or equal to 22 mm Hg in one eye. IOP measurements, blood pressure and pulse rate were assessed on 2 days at a baseline and 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h later. A single drop of brimonidine 0.2% or placebo was added to treatment with timolol. The reductions in IOP at all time intervals observed with brimonidine + timolol were significantly greater than those with timolol + placebo. The maximum mean net decrease in IOP was 19.23 +/- 10.60% at 4 h. Statistically significant decreases in systemic blood pressure and pulse rate without clinical symptoms were observed in the group receiving brimonidine + timolol. This study suggests that a combination of brimonidine and timolol may have potential in the treatment of glaucoma. Further clinical trials with brimonidine are indicated to assess its further role as adjunctive agent.     

Effects of systemic beta-blocker therapy on the efficacy and safety of topical brimonidine and timolol. Brimonidine Study Groups 1 and 2

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of coadminstration of systemic beta-blockers on the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of topical timolol, a nonselective, beta-blocker, and that of brimonidine, an alpha2-selective adrenergic agonist, in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. DESIGN: Post hoc evaluation of data collected from two prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel-group, actively-controlled, 12-month clinical trials. PARTICIPANTS: Of the 926 subjects with ocular hypertension or glaucoma that were enrolled in the two prospective trials, 66 (7.1%) were concurrently maintained on systemic beta-blocker therapy. Of these patients, 34 had been assigned to the brimonidine group and 32 to the timolol group. METHODS: Subjects instilled into each eye either 1 drop of brimonidine 0.2% or timolol 0.5% twice daily for 1 year. Study subjects within medication treatment groups were classified as to their use or nonuse of concurrent systemic beta-blockers, and mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, adverse events, heart rate, and blood pressure were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean IOP reduction from baseline was the primary efficacy variable. Adverse events and mean changes in heart rate and blood pressure from baseline were the primary safety variables. RESULTS: Timolol-treated subjects concurrently taking systemic beta-blockers had smaller decreases in IOP, a greater mean change in systolic (at week 2, months 1, 2, 6, and 9; P < or = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (months 2 and 6; P < or = 0.02), and a significantly greater mean decrease in heart rate (month 6; P = 0.004) compared with timolol subjects not taking systemic beta-blockers. By contrast, there was a modest enhancement of IOP-lowering efficacy at trough and no effect on blood pressure or heart rate in brimonidine-treated subjects who were concurrently receiving systemic beta-blocker therapy compared with brimonidine subjects not receiving systemic beta-blockers. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent systemic beta-blocker therapy had no deleterious effect on ocular hypotensive efficacy and no impact on systemic safety parameters with topical brimonidine, whereas efficacy was reduced and systemic safety parameters were impacted with topical timolol. Ocular hypotensive agents other than beta-blockers, such as the alpha2 agonist brimonidine, may be a more appropriate first-line therapy for ocular hypertension and glaucoma patients concurrently taking systemic beta-blockers.     

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of dorzolamide 2% when added to brimonidine 0.2% or timolol maleate 0.5% in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of dorzolamide when added to brimonidine or timolol in patients with uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a 1-year prospective open-label clinical trial of 48 consecutive POAG patients with inadequate intraocular pressure (IOP) control while using brimonidine 0.2% (23 patients) and timolol 0.5% (25 patients), 2 times daily. Patients were assigned to receive dorzolamide 2% as adjunctive therapy, added 3 times daily to brimonidine or timolol. IOP was measured on week 2, and months 3, 6, 9, and 12. RESULTS: A significant reduction in IOP from the baseline was observed after dorzolamide use in both groups at visits during that year (P < 0.001). Overall, mean IOP reduction was 5.6 +/- 1.9 mmHg with the brimonidine-dorzolamide combination, and 6.8 +/- 1.7 mmHg with timolol-dorzolamide after 1 year of treatment; the difference was significant (P = 0.029). No statistical differences existed between the groups for adverse events (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of dorzolamide to brimonidine or timolol has significant IOP-lowering efficacy during 1 year in patients with POAG whose IOPs were inadequately controlled with brimonidine or timolol alone. The IOP-lowering effect of the timolol-dorzolamide combination at 1 year was more pronounced than brimonidine-dorzolamide. Both combinations were well-tolerated by the patients.     

12-week study comparing the fixed combination of brimonidine and timolol with concomitant use of the individual components in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fixed-combination brimonidine tartrate 0.2%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution dosed BID and demonstrate non-inferiority to concomitant use of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% BID and timolol 0.5% BID in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) uncontrolled on monotherapy. METHODS: Randomized, multicenter, double-masked, parallel-group study involving 371 patients with inadequate IOP control (IOP from 22 to 34 mmHg) after > or =3 weeks of run-in on any monotherapy. Patients were treated with fixed-combination brimonidine/timolol BID (fixed-combination group, n = 188) or concomitant brimonidine BID and timolol BID (concomitant group, n = 183). IOP was assessed pre-dose and 2 hours after morning dosing at weeks 2, 6, and 12. RESULTS: A total of 355 patients (96%) completed the study. Patient demographics, run-in monotherapy, and baseline mean IOP on monotherapy were comparable between treatment groups. During follow-up, the mean reduction from baseline IOP was significant (p < 0.001) at all time points and ranged from 4.4 to 5.3 mmHg in each group. Brimonidine/timolol fixed combination was as effective as concomitant therapy with respect to mean IOP and mean change from baseline IOP at all time points and visits. Between-group differences were < or =0.35 mmHg for mean IOP and < or 0.30 mmHg for mean change from baseline IOP; none were significant. No unexpected side effects were associated with the fixed combination. Both treatments were well tolerated with no difference in adverse events between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine/timolol fixed-combination therapy is as safe and effective as concomitant treatment with the individual components. Its simplified dosing regimen has the potential to improve compliance.     

Efficacy of brimonidine 0.2% in controlling acute postoperative intraocular pressure elevation after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% drops given 2 times a day in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes during the first 24 hours after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Patras Agios Andreas, Patras, Greece. METHODS: In this prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study, 1 eye of 40 consecutive normotensive cataract patients having small-incision cataract surgery was randomized into 1 of 2 treatment arms. Twenty patients received a placebo (artificial tears) and 20 patients received brimonidine tartrate 0.2% drops 2 times a day the day before and the day of surgery. Diurnal IOP variation was the primary efficacy variable; IOP was measured at baseline, before surgery, and 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: The placebo group had higher IOPs at every time point after surgery. Peak elevation of IOP occurred 6 hours after surgery. The mean IOP in the placebo group (27.71 mm Hg +/- 3.75 [SD]) was statistically significantly higher than in the brimonidine group (21.45 +/- 1.32 mm Hg) (P<.001). A major IOP rise (>/=20 mm Hg above baseline IOP) occurred in 1 patient (5%) in the placebo group who required emergency hypotensive therapy. Twenty-four hours after surgery, 11 eyes (55%) in the brimonidine group and 4 eyes (20%) in the placebo group had an IOP lower than baseline. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic treatment with brimonidine tartrate 0.2% 2 times a day for 2 days was effective in reducing IOP peaks throughout the first 24 hours after phacoemulsification surgery.     

Comparison of the ocular hypotensive effect of brimonidine, dorzolamide, latanoprost, or artificial tears added to timolol in glaucomatous monkey eyes

PURPOSE: To investigate the additive ocular hypotensive effect of brimonidine, dorzolamide, latanoprost, or artificial tears to timolol in monkey eyes with laser-induced unilateral glaucoma. METHODS: Eight monkeys were used and each animal received all four combinations of drugs in a randomized fashion during the study. The washout period between each combination was at least 2 weeks. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:30 PM on day 1 (untreated baseline), day 2 (timolol treatment alone), and days 3 through 5 (combination therapy with two drugs). One drop of 0.5% timolol was topically applied at 3:45 PM on day 1 and at 8:45 AM and 3:45 PM on days 2 through 5. One drop of 0.2% brimonidine or 2% dorzolamide or artificial tears was added on day 2 at 4:00 PM and at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on days 3 through 5, or latanoprost was added at 9:00 AM on days 3 through 5. RESULTS: Compared with timolol alone, the maximal additive reduction in IOP which occurred on day 5 was 4.8 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (mean +/- standard error of the mean) with timolol plus brimonidine, 5.6 +/- 1.0 mm Hg with timolol plus dorzolamide, 4.3 +/- 1.0 mm Hg with timolol plus latanoprost, and 2.0 +/- 0.5 mm Hg with timolol plus artificial tears (P < 0.01). At all measurements, timolol plus brimonidine, timolol plus dorzolamide, and timolol plus latanoprost caused greater (P < 0.05) IOP reductions than did timolol plus artificial tears. The additive IOP-lowering effect was similar (P > 0.60) when comparing timolol plus brimonidine and timolol plus dorzolamide, timolol plus brimonidine and timolol plus latanoprost, timolol plus dorzolamide and timolol plus latanoprost at all measurements, but timolol plus dorzolamide caused a greater (P < 0.05) reduction of IOP than did timolol plus latanoprost at 0 hours on day 5. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of brimonidine, dorzolamide, or latanoprost to timolol caused similar additional reductions of IOP in glaucomatous monkey eyes.     

Comparison of the effect of Viscoat and DuoVisc on postoperative intraocular pressure after small-incision cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Viscoat (sodium chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3%) and DuoVisc (Viscoat and Provisc [sodium hyaluronate 1%]) on postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) after bilateral small-incision cataract surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective randomized study comprised 60 eyes of 30 consecutive patients with age-related cataract in both eyes. Each patient's eyes were randomly assigned to receive Viscoat or DuoVisc during cataract surgery. DuoVisc is a packet containing 2 ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs): the dispersive Viscoat, which was used for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. In the Viscoat group, the Viscoat was used during the entire surgery. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively as well as 1, 6, and 20 to 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: One and 6 hours postoperatively, the mean IOP was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the DuoVisc group (25.8 mm Hg and 20.5 mm Hg, respectively, at 1 hour and 24.7 mm Hg and 21.1 mm Hg, respectively, at 6 hours) (P<.05). At 20 to 24 hours, the mean IOP was not statistically significantly different between the 2 groups. Intraocular pressure spikes to 30 mm Hg or higher occurred in 4 eyes in the DuoVisc group and 11 eyes in the Viscoat group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Viscoat caused significantly higher IOP increases and significantly more IOP spikes than DuoVisc in the early postoperative period. Therefore, if Viscoat is used during cataract surgery, an additional cohesive OVD should be used for IOL implantation.     

Brimonidine and timolol fixed-combination therapy versus monotherapy: a 3-month randomized trial in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and intraocular pressure (IOP)- lowering efficacy of a fixed combination of brimonidine 0.2% and timolol 0.5% (fixed brimonidine/ timolol) versus each drug used as monotherapy. METHODS: Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive fixed brimonidine/timolol BID (n = 385), brimonidine 0.2% TID (n = 382), or timolol 0.5% BID (n = 392) in a multicenter, double-masked study. The primary outcome measure was decrease from baseline IOP. RESULTS: Over all follow-up measurements, the mean decrease from baseline IOP ranged from 4.9 to 7.6 mmHg with brimonidine/timolol, from 3.1 to 5.5 mmHg with brimonidine, and from 4.3 to 6.2 mmHg with timolol. Mean IOP reductions from baseline were significantly larger with fixed brimonidine/timolol than with timolol at all follow-up measurements (P < or = 0.026); the difference was greater than 1.5 mmHg at 10 AM (peak effect for each treatment). Mean IOP reductions from baseline were significantly larger with fixed brimonidine/ timolol than with brimonidine at 8 AM, 10 AM, and 3 PM (P < 0.001); the difference was greater than 1.5 mmHg. The rate of discontinuations owing to adverse events was 3.6% in the fixed timolol/brimonidine group. CONCLUSIONS: The fixed combination of brimonidine and timolol was well-tolerated and provided significantly better IOP control compared with either brimonidine or timolol used alone.     

Effect of Healon5 and 4 other viscoelastic substances on intraocular pressure and endothelium after cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD) Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%) with 4 other commonly used OVDs during phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in terms of influence on intraocular pressure (IOP) postoperatively and endothelial cells preoperatively and postoperatively. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Germany. METHODS: This clinical randomized prospective study, in which patients and observer were masked, comprised 81 eyes. Seventy-four eyes (mean patient age 71.2 years +/- 7.8 [SD]) completed all preoperative and 5 postoperative examinations. The OVDs used were OcuCoat and Celoftal (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 2.0%), Viscoat (sodium hyaluronate 3.0%-chondroitin sulfate 4.0%), Healon GV (sodium hyaluronate 1.4%), and Healon5 (sodium hyaluronate 2.3%). Intraocular pressure was measured by standard Goldmann applanation tonometry preoperatively and 4 to 6 and 24 hours and 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Endothelial cell counts were done preoperatively and 90 days postoperatively using a Pro/Koester WFSCM contact endothelial microscope. Exclusion criteria were IOP greater than 21 mm Hg at the preoperative examination, age younger than 40 years, significant corneal pathology, and a history or presence of uveitis or pseudoexfoliation syndrome. RESULTS: All groups had increased IOP 4 hours postoperatively. The Healon5 group had the highest mean pressure (24.9 mm Hg) followed by the Viscoat group (23.6 mm Hg). The mean IOP in the other OVD groups was less than 22.1 mm Hg. These differences were not significant. Twenty-four hours postoperatively and at all subsequent examinations, mean IOP was below 20 mm Hg. The Healon5 group had the lowest mean endothelial cell loss (6.2%), significantly lower than in the other groups (P < .02). CONCLUSION: With all 5 OVDs, endothelial cell loss was found, with the lowest in the Healon5 group, and IOP was increased 4 to 6 hours postoperatively. After 24 hours, no significant increases in IOP were noted.     

Clinical success and quality of life with brimonidine 0.2% or timolol 0.5% used twice daily in glaucoma or ocular t hypertension: a randomized clinical trial. Brimonidine Outcomes Study Group I

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical success rates and quality of life impact of brimonidine 0.2% with timolol 0.5% in newly diagnosed patients naive to glaucoma therapy. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, clinical effectiveness trial in which the clinical outcomes of twice daily brimonidine tartrate 0.2% were compared with those of timolol maleate 0.5% in patients with glaucoma and' ocular hypertension was conducted. Two hundred nineteen patients were enrolled--111 in the brimonidine group and 108 in the timolol group. Patients instilled their study medications twice daily for 4 months. Factors for determining clinical success were reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP), safety, and adverse events. Quality of life effects were assessed with the SF-36 Health Survey and Glaucoma Disability Index questionnaires. RESULTS: Clinical success was 71% (75/106) with brimonidine and 70% (73/105) with timolol as initial treatment. The overall mean decrease in IOP was 6.5 mm Hg with brimonidine and 6.2 mm Hg with timolol. Few patients reported a specific adverse event and, with the exception of a slightly higher rate of ocular burning and stinging in the brimonidine group, there were no significant between-group differences. No significant chronotropic effects on the heart were seen with brimonidine, while small but significant mean decreases in heart rate were seen at months 1 and 4 with timolol. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure remained relatively stable in both groups. Quality of life remained stable, with no significant between-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: As a first-line agent for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, brimonidine has clinical effectiveness equivalent to timolol, but with less chronotropic effect on the heart. Brimonidine is a viable alternative to timolol for first-line therapy in glaucoma and ocular hypertension.     

Intraocular pressure-lowering effects of commonly used fixed combination drugs with timolol in the management of primary open angle glaucoma

AIM:To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and ocular tolerability of brimonidine/timolol, dorzolamide/timolol and latanoprost/timolol fixed combination therapies in the management of primary open angle glaucoma.METHODS:Each drug was administered for two months, after which a circadian tonometric curve was recorded using a Goldmann applanation tonometer. Ocular discomfort (conjunctival hyperemia, burning or stinging, foreign body sensation, itching, ocular pain) of each eye was assessed by the subject on a standardized ocular discomfort scale.RESULTS:Among the three study groups, there were no significant differences in the mean baseline IOP measurements, mean 2^nd mo IOP measurements, and mean (%) change of IOPs from baseline. Among the three study groups, there were no significant differences in the mean IOP measurements obtained at circadian tonometric curves at baseline and at two months controls. In sum brimonidine/timolol, dorzolamide/timolol and latanoprost/timolol fixed combination therapies showed similar effects on IOP levels.CONCLUSION:Brimonidine/timolol, dorzolamide/timolol and latanoprost/timolol fixed combination therapies showed similar lowering efficaties on IOP levels whereas there was no any difference between each other.     

Efficacy and safety of timolol maleate/latanoprost fixed combination versus timolol maleate and brimonidine given twice daily

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the timolol maleate/latanoprost fixed combination (TLFC) given once each evening versus brimonidine and timolol solution given twice daily as concomitant therapy in primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension patients. METHODS: Qualified subjects were begun on timolol alone twice daily for 1 month and then randomized to either TLFC or brimonidine and timolol concomitant therapy for 6 weeks. Patients were then switched to the other treatment regimen. Intraocular pressures (IOPs) were measured every 2 hours between 08 : 00 and 20 : 00 hours at baseline and at the end of periods 1 and 2. RESULTS: This study found that in 32 subjects the IOP diurnal curve on timolol alone (20.9 +/- 2.8 mmHg) decreased to 17.9 +/- 3.2 mmHg when patients were treated with TLFC and to 19.0 +/- 2.4 mmHg when patients were treated with brimonidine and timolol (p = 0.02). Intraocular pressures at individual time-points were statistically similar between the groups at the 08 : 00 trough and 2 and 4 hours after dosing. However, beyond 4 hours after dosing, TLFC-treated subjects demonstrated a trend towards lower IOPs at each 2-hour time-point that was not statistically significant after a Bonferroni correction (p 相似文献   

Latanoprost versus timolol gel to prevent ocular hypertension after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of latanoprost and timolol gel in preventing ocular hypertension in the early period after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China. METHODS: This prospective randomized double-masked clinical trial comprised patients with uncomplicated cataract having phacoemulsification with PC IOL implantation. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: postoperative application of timolol 0.5% gel-forming solution (Timoptol-XE(R)) (Group 1), latanoprost 0.005% (Group 2), and control (Group 3). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured 2, 4, and 24 hours postoperatively. The anterior chamber was examined for the levels of cells and flare using slitlamp biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Group 1 had a significantly greater reduction in mean IOP 2, 4, and 24 hours after phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation than Group 3 (P <.05). There were no significant differences between Groups 2 and 3 at any interval (P. 05). No excessive postoperative anterior chamber inflammation was observed in any group. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of latanoprost given after phacoemulsification and PC IOL implantation did not produce a significant IOP-lowering effect when compared with a control group in the first 24 hours postoperatively. A single dose of timolol gel produced a significant postoperative IOP decrease as soon as 2 hours and up to 24 hours after surgery. Timolol gel and latanoprost are safe, but timolol is more effective than latanoprost in preventing postoperative ocular hypertension.