Brinzolamide/Brimonidine Combination vs Brimonidine 0.2% in the Prevention of IOP Rise After Nd-YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Study of the Efficacy of Brinzolamide 1% Plus Brimonidine 0.2% Versus Brimonidine 0.2% in the Prevention of Intraocular Pressure Rise After Nd-YAG Laser Capsulotomy

To compare the efficacy of a Brinzolamide/Brimonidine fixed combination (FC) with Brimonidine 0.2% in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations after neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy.

In this prospective, randomized, double masked clinical trial, patients scheduled to undergo Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification are randomized in 3 groups. The Brimonidine group receives 1 drop of Brimonidine 0.2%. The Brinzolamide/Brimonidine group receives 1 drop of Brinzolamide 1%/Brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination. The Control group receives artificial tears. All groups are administered a single drop instillation, approximately one hour before Nd:YAG application. Intraocular pressure measurements are performed before treatment (baseline) and at the 1, 3, 24 hours and 1 week post treatment.

Dexamethasone ophthalmic drops are prescribed q.i.d. for one week after the procedure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients scheduled to undergo laser posterior capsulotomy due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction with implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOL/PC).

Exclusion Criteria:

• baseline IOP greater than 21mmHg
• glaucomatous eyes, already under treatment with anti glaucomatic medications
• intraocular surgery except for uncomplicated cataract surgery
• previous photorefractive surgery
• active ocular inflammation or infection
• patients under systemic administration of medications known to affect IOP
• patients with severe respiratory or cardiovascular disease
• pregnant or breast feeding women, and individuals with known hypersensitivity or contraindication for administration of the medications tested
• a measurement of IOP > 30 mmHg at any time point of the study, or an increase from baseline >20 mmHg