ABSTRACT

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy of brimonidine 0.2% versus brinzolamide 1% in preventing intraocular pressure rise after Nd: YAG- LASER posterior capsulotomy.

Material and Methods:

200 patients with posterior capsular opasification after cataract surgery between October 2006 and May 2008 were included in this prospective randomized study. The patients were divided into two groups consisting of 100 cases. Preoperatively brimonidine tartrat 0.2% was given to the first group and brinzolamide 1% to the second group 30 minutes before LASER treatment. Intraocular pressure measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry 1 hour before and at 30. minutes, 1. hour, 2. hour, 3. hour and first week after LASER treatment.

Results:

Mean age of patients was 70.4 ± 9.2 (61-82). No statistical difference was found between two groups at mean intraocular pressure values after LASER treatment. Intraocular pressure rise of 5 mmHg or higher observed at 8 cases (8%) in the first group (brimonidine) and 6 cases (6 %) in the second group (brinzolamide). Intraocular pressure rise of 10 mmHg or higher observed at 3 cases (3%) in first group and 2 cases (2%) in the second group.

Conclusions:

Preoperative one drop of brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.2% seems to be safe and effective in preventing intraocular pressure rise after Nd: YAG- LASER posterior capsulotomy.