Allergic reactions to brimonidine in patients treated for glaucoma

Salmon patch-like conjunctival lesion secondary to long-term administration of topical brimonidine: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Brimonidine is a commonly used intra-ocular pressure-lowering agent for glaucoma patients. Allergic follicular or papillary conjunctivitis is a well-known side effect of brimonidine. Brimonidine is associated with ocular allergic symptoms such as conjunctival hyperemia, stinging sensation, photophobia and, in severe cases, corneal erosions. Here, we report a case of atypical conjunctival lesion following long-term administration of brimonidine.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the clinical findings of a 72-year-old female presenting with a salmon patch-like conjunctival lesion affecting the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva after long-term use of brimonidine. The finding was suspicious of conjunctival lymphoproliferative disorders. However, upon cessation of brimonidine, along with the administration of short-course topical steroid, a complete resolution of the lesion was evident. Biopsy was not performed as the clinical picture improved with conservative management. No recurrence was observed over 1 year follow up.

DISCUSSION

Atypical conjunctival lesions have been described after long-term use of brimonidine. These lesions can mimic the appearance of conjunctival tumors, specifically conjunctival lymphoproliferative disorders, for which multiple investigations are required including invasive conjunctival biopsy.

CONCLUSION

Careful observation is recommended for patients with a history of long-term use of brimonidine for the development of atypical conjunctival lesions which may simulate the appearance of conjunctival lymphoproliferative disorders.

The Benefit Of Scratch Patch Testing To Demonstrate Ocular Contact Allergy To Brimonidine Tartrate

INTRODUCTION

Ocular allergies to brimonidine are frequent in patients treated for glaucoma. There is variability in reporting due to the lack of diagnostic criteria and absence of cutaneous testing. Many false negative patch tests (PT) have been described. Alternative methods, such as strip and scratch PT, have been used without a standardized method.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective is to identify the best method of cutaneous testing and brimonidine concentration for patch testing. The secondary objective is to identify clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of ocular allergy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patient files suspected of brimonidine ocular allergy was performed. Patch testing method, brimonidine concentration and clinical symptoms were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 36 patients identified, half tested positive to brimonidine for at least one of the testing methods. The scratch PT demonstrated 17 positive reactions (94% detection rate). 3 patients reacted with strip PT. No positive results were found with standard PT. The 5% brimonidine concentration demonstrated the highest sensitivity. Absence of eyelid pruritus was associated with negative testing.

CONCLUSION

In the investigation of ocular allergy to brimonidine, scratch PT proved to be an essential tool. Brimonidine 5% pet. appeared as the most sensitive concentration for scratch PT.

Dermatological adverse effects of anti-glaucoma eye drops: a review

Many patients are treated for glaucoma. Like other drugs, anti-glaucoma eye drops may induce dermatological adverse effects. We aim to review the dermatological adverse effects secondary to the active agents in anti-glaucoma eye drops through a literature review. In January 2020, we queried PubMed using the following MeSH terms: glaucoma/drug therapy or glaucoma, open angle/drug therapy cross-referenced with parasympathomimetics/adverse effects or adrenergic agonists/adverse effects or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors/adverse effects or prostaglandins F, synthetic/adverse effects or adrenergic beta antagonists/adverse effects or ophthalmic solutions/adverse effects. The initial search identified 1128 studies, of which 49 were excluded for being in a foreign language, 15 for not involving eye drops, 968 for not focusing on adverse dermatological effects, and 11 for insufficient documentation or redundancy. After adding 38 linked studies, we finally analysed 123 studies. The ocular and periocular dermatological adverse effects of eye drops are contact dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, prostaglandin analogue periorbitopathy, mucous membrane pemphigoid, eyelash depigmentation, skin hypertrichosis, and rare cases of melanoma and skin depigmentation. The reported distant dermatological adverse effects are psoriasis, excessive sweating, lichen planus, alopecia, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, erythroderma, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, nail pigmentation and bullous pemphigoid. Most of the cutaneous adverse effects of anti-glaucoma eye drops are ocular and periocular and induced by prostaglandin analogues. Distant adverse effects are rare and sometimes questionable but should be kept in mind, especially mucous membrane pemphigoid, which could lead to blindness. The role of preservatives, such as benzalkonium chloride, should also be considered.

Brimonidine related acute follicular conjunctivitis: Onset time and clinical presentations, a long-term follow-up

To evaluate the duration of topical brimonidine therapy before the onset of brimonidine-related allergic conjunctivitis and the clinical characteristics associated with the development of brimonidine allergy.We retrospectively enrolled patients who presented brimonidine allergy from December 1, 2008 to November 30, 2020. The duration of brimonidine treatment, concomitant medications, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) exposure, change in IOP, and season of onset were evaluated.292 patients were included, among which 147 were female and 145 were male. The mean age was 58.3 ± 13.6 years old. The mean (median) duration of brimonidine therapy was 266.6 (196) days, with a peak at 60-120 days. The duration was similar whether the patients received brimonidine monotreatment or in combination with other glaucoma drugs, with or without BAK. The IOP increased by 5.6% after brimonidine allergy (P < .001), which was even higher in the brimonidine monotherapy group (9.2%, P < .001). There was no significant IOP elevation in patients treated with multiple glaucoma medications.Around half of brimonidine allergy occurred within 6 months, with a peak in 2 to 4 months. The duration did not differ in patients receiving brimonidine monotherapy or multiple glaucoma medications. The presence of BAK did not affect the duration either. When brimonidine allergy occurred, there was a loss of IOP control, especially in patients receiving brimonidine monotherapy. It is recommended to switch to other types of glaucoma medications for better IOP control.

Effect of over-the-counter brimonidine tartrate 0.025% ophthalmic solution on pupil size in healthy adults

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.025% ophthalmic solution on pupil size under scotopic conditions in healthy adults

Methods

Pupil size was measured in 56 eyes of 28 volunteer participants using a pupillometer under scotopic conditions. Age, gender, and iris color were recorded. Subjects using any ophthalmic medications other than artificial tears were excluded. The pupil size was subsequently measured again under scotopic conditions 60 min after instillation of brimonidine tartrate 0.025% ophthalmic solution.

Results

Statistically significant miosis was seen after instillation of brimonidine tartrate 0.025% (p = 0.04). Average pupil size prior to brimonidine 0.025% instillation was 7.28 ± 1.05 mm, and average pupil size after instillation of brimonidine 0.025% was 6.36 ± 1.68 mm, a reduction of − 23.7% in pupil area. Subjects with light irides demonstrated a greater miotic effect than subjects with dark irides (1.55 mm vs. 0.67 mm, p < 0.0001), with a pupil area reduction of − 37.6% and − 17.4%, respectively. The amount of miosis was independent of initial pupil size.

Conclusions

Brimonidine tartrate 0.025% causes significant miosis in scotopic settings, although the effect is not as great in darker colored eyes. Further studies are needed to determine the latency and duration of the effect and whether the amount of miosis is clinically significant.

Normal-tension Glaucoma Management: A Survey of Glaucoma Sub-specialists in Korea

PURPOSE

To investigate the current management patterns of glaucoma subspecialists with regard to normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) in Korea and to determine the effect of the two largest NTG trials on their clinical practice.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was sent to glaucoma subspecialist members of the Korean Glaucoma Society. The questionnaire concerned regular practice with respect to NTG and the extent to which it has been influenced by the Collaborative Normal-tension Glaucoma Study and the Low-pressure Glaucoma Treatment Study (LoGTS).

RESULTS

A total of 134 glaucoma subspecialists completed the survey, with a response rate of 56%. The survey reported that 88% and 78% of glaucoma subspecialists were familiar with the Collaborative Normal-tension Glaucoma Study and the LoGTS, respectively. With respect to mild or moderate NTG, most of the respondents (87%-91%) tended to treat their patients immediately without waiting for structural or functional progression. Among the respondents, 47 indicated that the LoGTS results-according to which, 20% of the respondents tended to use brimonidine more often-affected their management. The first-choice topical drugs for NTG were prostaglandin analogues (76%), brimonidine (9%), beta-blockers (8%), and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding mild-to-moderate NTG, Korean glaucoma subspecialists tended to initiate treatment without waiting for further progression. The impact of the LoGTS on NTG management was not dominant in clinical practice in Korea. Prostaglandin analogs are the most frequently selected first-choice drugs for the management of NTG in Korea.

Long-term Side Effects Including Blepharitis Leading to Discontinuation of Ripasudil

PRECIS

Blepharitis was the most common side effect leading to discontinuation of ripasudil therapy. Prior allergic reactions to other topical glaucoma were found to be a risk factor for ripasudil-induced blepharitis.

PURPOSE

To report the incidence proportion of blepharitis and its relating factors due to long-term use of 0.4% riapasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, in glaucoma patients of a clinical setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred three eyes of 103 consecutive glaucoma patients who started ripasudil treatment between December 2014 and February 2017 at our institute, and who had a follow-up period of over 6 months were enrolled in this study. Incidence proportion, time required for recovery and risk factors associated with blepharitis and other side effects that led to discontinuation of ripasudil treatment were considered.

RESULTS

The most frequently observed side effect was blepharitis (25.2%). The 12- and 24-month discontinuation rate due to blepharitis was 21.1%±8.2% and 34.6%±11.8% (average±SE), respectively (Kaplan-Meier analysis). Most patients recovered from blepharitis symptoms within 4 weeks, but 5 patients required over 8 weeks for recovery. Past history of allergic reactions to other topical glaucoma medication was significantly correlated with the manifestation of blepharitis (Cox proportional hazard model, P<0.007) while age, sex, intraocular pressure reduction rate, number of administered eye drops, history of systemic allergic diseases were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Blepharitis was the most common reason for discontinuation of ripasudil treatment. Although most cases were resolved spontaneously, prolonged blepharitis was observed in a few patients. A past history of allergic reaction to other glaucoma medication indicates a higher possibility of blepharitis with ripasudil use and warrants careful administration.

Effect of brimonidine tartrate on basophil activation in glaucoma patients

AIM

To evaluate the mechanism of which brimonidine tartrate 0.15% causes clinical hypersensitivity.

METHODS

A prospective case-control study comparing 8 glaucoma patients with clinical hypersensitivity to brimonidine to a control group consisting 13 healthy volunteers. Blood samples were stimulated with brimonidine 0.15%, timolol 0.5% or brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate 0.2%/0.5%. Premixed antibodies (CD63/FITC and aIgE/PE) were added for direct staining and whole-blood samples were lysed, fixed and analyzed by a flow cytometer. The basophil population was defined by high IgE cell expression. Degranulation was identified by the expression of the activation molecule CD63.

RESULTS

Basophil activation was not significant when comparing percent of activated basophils of patients and healthy controls after exposure to brimonidine (2.58%, 2.45%, respectively, P=0.72). There was a significant suppression of basophil activation when a combination of brimonidine-timolol (0.87%) was compared to timolol (2.27%; P=0.012) and to brimonidine alone (2.58%; P=0.017).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study do not support the hypothesis that brimonidine induces an immediate allergic reaction. Basophil activation was suppressed by the presence of β-blockers in patients hypersensitive to brimonidine and in healthy individuals. This finding indicates that timolol suppress brimonidine drug reaction by a different mechanism.

Histopathologic Analysis of Conjunctival Lymphoproliferative Disease After Topical Brimonidine Use

Purpose: To describe of histopathological findings of conjunctival lymphoproliferative disease (CLD) after topical brimonidine use. Methods: This is a retrospective medical record review study, including histopathologic description. We reviewed the medical records of 208 patients (415 eyes) who were diagnosed with glaucoma and who were treated with topical brimonidine only for a minimum of 6 months. Of these, the medical records of 19 patients with suspected CLD clinical features were reviewed in detail. When CLD was suspected due to administration of brimonidine, histopathological analysis was performed by biopsy of these lesions. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed to analyze lymphocyte markers in some pathological tissues. Results: Nineteen patients had suspected CLD without definite irritative symptoms. Diffuse elevated (11 patients) or follicular lesion (8 patients) of salmon pink appearance was observed in inferior palpebral conjunctiva. Among these patients, 5 patients who agreed to conjunctival biopsy had histopathological findings of CLD such as reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (LH) (2 cases) or atypical LH (2 cases). The mean duration of brimonidine use was 29.00 ± 20.25 months (6-76 months). And follow-up period after discontinuation of brimonidine was 27.93 ± 11.87 months (12-58 months). At the last visit, complete resolution of the lesion was seen in 13 patients, and partial improvement was observed in 6 patients. Conclusions: We found 4 cases of CLD following long-term administration of brimonidine. However, large-scale additional studies should be performed to establish causality, to determine whether these novel side effects were caused by long-term brimonidine treatment.

[Selective α2-agonists in the treatment of glaucoma: pharmacology, efficacy and safety]

Glaucoma is the main cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Among the hypotensive eye drops, an important place belongs to the selective α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist brimonidine. This part of the review focuses on key pharmacological and therapeutic characteristics of brimonidine and its mode of action. The article also discusses the side effects of brimonidine and the methods of their prevention.

Toxic Keratoconjunctivitis

Toxic keratoconjunctivitis (TK) is an underrecognized complication of ophthalmic drug use and various environmental or occupational exposures. A detailed history and clinical examination are important to identify the offending agent(s). Common drug-related causes of TK include preservatives in ophthalmic medications, topical antimicrobials, and topical anesthetics. Alternatives to benzalkonium chloride as well as preservative-free formulations should be considered in patients requiring long-term topical medication. More advanced cases of TK may require preservative-free topical steroids and/or antibiotics, and occasionally surgical intervention. Early recognition and appropriate management of TK may help prevent permanent ocular and visual damage.

Pharmacotherapy and Adherence Issues in Treating Elderly Patients with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual morbidity throughout the world and is an age-related condition, the prevalence of which rises significantly with increasing age. Glaucoma, a condition affecting the optic nerve, has a variety of subtypes with multiple aetiological factors, the most important of which are intraocular pressure (IOP) and increasing age. Treatment by lowering of IOP is the only current method, for which there is evidence, by which the rate of progressive visual deterioration can be slowed or halted. Although there are surgical and laser treatments that are efficacious in lowering IOP, the most common manner in which patients with glaucoma control their IOP is with administration of daily topical ocular hypotensive drugs (eye drops). The variety of topical drugs utilised in the management of glaucoma all have the potential to have adverse effects and/or interactions with concomitant medications, many of which may be used for other age-related conditions. Adherence with appropriate medicines has a major effect on the outcome of medical conditions and this aspect applies to the management of glaucoma. There are certain specific issues that relate to the administration of topical agents, with respect to both adverse effects and adherence. Although many suspect poor adherence in elderly patients with glaucoma, relative to younger patients, adequate evidence for this is lacking. Furthermore, the manner by which adherence issues could be improved remains inadequately understood and poorly addressed. The aims of this article were to review, from a clinical perspective, the medical therapies currently used for glaucoma and discuss adherence issues with respect to the population of patients with glaucoma, who tend to be relatively elderly.

Current primary open-angle glaucoma treatments and future directions

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of blindness with no known cure. Management of the disease focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) with current classes of drugs like prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These treatments have not helped all patients. Some patients continue to experience deterioration in the optic nerve even though their IOPs are within the normal range. New views have surfaced about other pathophysiological processes (such as oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and retinal cell apoptosis) being involved in POAG progression, and adjunctive treatments with drugs like memantine, bis(7)-tacrine, nimodipine, and mirtogenol are advocated. This review examines the current and proposed treatments for POAG. Some of the proposed drugs (bis(7)-tacrine, nimodipine, vitamin E, and others) have shown good promise, mostly as monotherapy in various clinical trials. It is recommended that both the current and proposed drugs be put through further robust trials in concurrent administration and evaluated.

Clinical options for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure

Elevated IOP in clinical practice is usually seen in glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Glaucoma affects 60 million people worldwide and 8.4 million are bilaterally blind from this chronic disease.1 Options for reducing IOP rely on pharmacological agents, laser treatments and surgery which may be penetrating or non-penetrating. The last twenty years has seen significant changes in all of these strategies. This review aims to cover these clinical options and introduce some of the new technologies currently in development for the clinical lowering of IOP.

Update on the role of alpha-agonists in glaucoma management

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of world blindness (following cataract) with estimated cases reaching 79.6 million by 2020. Although the etiology of glaucoma is multi-factorial, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable factor in glaucoma management proven to alter the natural course of the disease. Among various classes of IOP-lowering medications currently available, alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists are used either as monotherapy, as second-line therapy, or in fixed combination with beta-blockers. Non-selective adrenergic agonists such as epinephrine and dipivefrin are infrequently used today for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and have been replaced by the alpha-2-selective agonists. The use of apraclonidine for IOP reduction in glaucoma or OHT is limited due to a high rate of follicular conjunctivitis. The alpha-2-selective agonist in use today is brimonidine. The brimonidine-purite formulations are preferred to brimonidine-benzalkonium chloride (BAC) formulations due better tolerability while maintaining similar efficacy. Brimonidine is also effective when used in combination with a beta-blocker. Using brimonidine-timolol fixed combination (BTFC) as first-line therapy has an added potential for neuroprotection. This would be a valuable strategy for glaucoma treatment, for patients who are intolerant of prostaglandin analogs, or for patients where prostaglandin analogues are contraindicated as first-line therapy, such as in patients with inflammatory glaucoma.

Increased risk for flap dislocation with perioperative brimonidine use in femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis

PURPOSE

To determine whether brimonidine 0.2% minimizes the occurrence of subconjunctival hemorrhages without inducing postoperative flap complications in femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

SETTING

Centro Oftalmológico Marqués de Sotelo and Hospital NISA Virgen del Consuelo, Valencia, Spain.

METHODS

This prospective contralateral-eye interventional study evaluated consecutive patients who had bilateral simultaneous femtosecond LASIK for myopia (spherical equivalent [SE] range -1.00 to -8.00 diopters) performed with an IntraLase femtosecond laser and a Visx Star 2 excimer laser. One eye of each patient received a single drop of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (brimonidine group) and the other eye, a single drop of a balanced salt solution (control group).

RESULTS

The study evaluated 136 eyes (68 patients). The difference in the incidence of subconjunctival hemorrhages was statistically significantly lower in the brimonidine group (mean score 2.24 +/- 1.96 [SD]) than in the control group (mean score 7.61 +/- 2.72) (P<.001). However, no eye in the control group and 7 eyes (10.4%) in the brimonidine group had a dislocated flap with folds on the first postoperative day (P = .016). All eyes with dislocated flaps required surgical intervention. At 6 months, there was no significant difference between groups in the percentage of eyes achieving 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity, in the mean SE, or in the enhancement rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Brimonidine prevented the formation of subconjunctival hemorrhages after femtosecond LASIK but increased the risk for flap dislocation. Thus, surgeons are cautioned against the use of perioperative brimonidine to decrease hemorrhagic complications in femtosecond LASIK.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing timolol with brimonidine in the treatment of glaucoma

This paper aims to compare the efficacy and tolerability of timolol versus brimonidine in the treatment of glaucoma. Comprehensive searches were performed using Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register for randomized controlled trials comparing timolol and brimonidine. Two reviewers independently assessed trials for eligibility and quality and extracted data. A random effects model was used to combine studies. Outcome was defined as the absolute mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction from baseline to end-point for efficacy, and relative risk (RR) for adverse events. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to explore heterogeneity according to trial design and quality. Ten publications reporting on eight trials with 2387 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Two further trials were commented on qualitatively. IOP reduction was not significantly different between timolol and brimonidine. Weighted mean difference (WMD) of IOP reduction was 0.24 mmHg (favouring brimonidine) with a 95% confidence interval of -0.57 to 1.04 mmHg. There was significant heterogeneity between studies (chi(2) (13) = 73.75, P < 0.00001, I(2) = 91%). Subgroup analysis showed no significant WMD for studies where data were analysed from end-points >/=6 months or <6 months. Meta-regression analysis showed increased WMD IOP reduction in favour of brimonidine with increased trial quality (t(3) = -4.58, P = 0.01), but no significant association with trial duration (t(3) = 0.73, P = 0.51) or size (t(3) = -0.59, P = 0.57). The RR of ocular allergy was much lower with timolol than brimonidine (RR = 0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.47). Publication bias was not evident on a funnel plot, although the number of studies was small. The conclusion is that both drugs are equally effective in lowering IOP. Brimonidine is associated with a higher rate of allergy.

Reversible cicatricial ectropion precipitated by topical brimonidine eye drops

Bilateral cicatricial ectropian was precipitated by topical brimonidine eye drops. On discontinuation of the drug, the ectropian resolved. Patients on brimonidine who develop cicatricial ectropian should not be managed surgically at first presentation.

Brimonidine 0.2% versus brimonidine Purite 0.15% in Asian ocular hypertension

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of brimonidine 0.2% versus brimonidine Purite 0.15% in Asians with ocular hypertension.

METHODS

This study was a prospective, randomized, observer-masked, short-term crossover trial. Eighty-six (86) Asian subjects with newly diagnosed ocular hypertension were randomly assigned to receive either brimonidine 0.2% or brimonidine Purite 0.15%, both dosed twice a day for 4 weeks. Subjects were then washed out for 6 weeks and switched to the opposite treatment for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

The baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) was 24.4 +/- 2.45 mmHg for brimonidine 0.2% and 24.39 +/- 2.56 mmHg for brimonidine Purite 0.15% (P = 0.985). The IOP was at trough drug effect after 4 weeks of brimonidine 0.2% and brimonidine Purite 0.15% therapy were 20.10 +/- 2.01 mmHg and 21.00 +/- 1.67 mmHg (P = 0.001), respectively. The IOP at peak drug effect after 4 weeks of brimonidine 0.2% and brimonidine Purite 0.15% treatment were 18.10 +/- 1.73 mmHg and 18.20 +/- 1.71 mmHg (P = 0.518), respectively. Brimonidine 0.2% was found to cause more allergic conjunctivitis than brimonidine Purite 0.15% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Brimonidine 0.2% has a higher potency of lowering IOP than brimonidine Purite 0.15% at trough when used twice-daily. However, ocular allergic reaction was more frequent and severe with brimonidine 0.2% than with brimonidine Purite 0.15%.

Pharmacological management of night vision disturbances after refractive surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diluted aceclidine eyedrops in reducing night vision disturbances after refractive surgery.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano-Milano, Italy.

METHODS

This double-masked randomized clinical trial included 30 patients (60 eyes) with chronic night vision disturbance after refractive surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive (1) placebo, (2) aceclidine 0.016%, or (3) aceclidine 0.032%. Drugs were administered once or twice daily. Anterior segment, haze, uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal maps, and scotopic pupil size were determined at baseline and at follow-up examinations (15 and 30 days after inclusion). Halos and double vision 4-step scales were built to determine subjective grading of night vision disturbance, and the root mean square (RMS) was calculated to determine objective changes in night vision disturbance.

RESULTS

The effect of diluted aceclidine started about 15 minutes after instillation and lasted for about 5 hours. No difference between the 2 dilutions could be found. Thirty-nine of 40 treated eyes showed a reduction in night vision disturbance. The mean reduction in halos and double vision grading was 1.42 +/- 0.5 (SD) and 1.14 +/- 0.4, respectively. A mean decrease in pupil size of 2.5 mm was measured. Thirty minutes after the instillation of diluted aceclidine, the topography-derived wavefront error showed a statistically significant reduction in RMS values (total, spherical, astigmatic, coma, and higher order), which was maintained for 5 hours. A transitory conjunctival hyperemia was the only side effect reported.

CONCLUSION

Diluted aceclidine seemed to be an effective and safe treatment for night vision disturbance following refractive surgery.

Prospective survey of adverse reactions to topical antiglaucoma medications in a hospital population

AIM

To identify the relative incidence and profile of adverse drug reaction (ADR) to various topical ocular hypotensives in a hospital setting.

METHODS

All the patients presenting in outpatients clinic and accident and emergency with an ADR to topical hypotensive agent from August 2000 to January 2001 were included in the study. Details regarding the type date of commencing the treatment, the date of developing ADR, time to resolution of the ADR were noted.

RESULTS

Over the period of 6 months, 66 patients presented with 73 ADRs. Brimonidine was the most frequent offending agent. In total, 23 (34.8%) presented with ADR after being commenced on treatment for more than 12 months. In all, 16 (24%) patients had IOP > 21 on presentation, eight (12%) patients underwent filtration surgery following the development of ADR.

CONCLUSION

Adverse drug reaction to ocular hypotensive agents is not uncommon and can have a major impact on glaucoma management. Delayed presentation and association with raised intraocular pressure presentation emphasise the need for effective patient education to encourage prompt reporting of ADR.

Demographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Development of Brimonidine Tartrate 0.2%-Induced Ocular Allergy

PURPOSE

To identify demographic and clinical characteristics associated with the development of brimonidine tartrate 0.2%-induced ocular allergy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 133 patients affected by primary open-angle, pigmentary, narrow angle, or pseudo-exfoliative glaucoma and treated with brimonidine tartrate 0.2% were divided into two groups: allergic and non allergic to brimonidine tartrate 0.2%. The distribution of demographic (age and sex), local (history of allergic conjunctivitis, previous eye-drop ocular allergy, use of other concurrent topical medications, amount of topical medications previously used, use of contact lenses, and tear film production), and systemic (history of systemic allergies and use of systemic drugs) factors was evaluated by comparing the brimonidine tartrate 0.2% allergic and the non-allergic groups.

RESULTS

In this study, 13.5% of patients (18 of 133) developed brimonidine ocular allergy generally within two weeks from the beginning of treatment (mean time 14.8 +/- 17.9 days). The brimonidine tartrate 0.2% allergic group showed a significantly higher frequency of history of ocular allergy to eye-drops (P = 0.048) and to topical beta-blockers (P = 0.019) when compared with the brimonidine tartrate 0.2% non-allergic group. Moreover, the allergic group showed a decreased tear film production (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that history of eye-drop allergies and reduction of tear film production were more frequently associated with the development of brimonidine tartrate 0.2%-induced ocular allergy.