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

Ocular hyperemia associated with topical glaucoma medication: understanding and differentiating clinical appearance and underlying mechanisms

INTRODUCTION

Adherence to therapy is fundamental for glaucoma management. Side effects of topical intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications must be managed effectively to maintain adherence to the treatment plan and avoid disease progression. Ocular hyperemia is the most common side effect of topical IOP-lowering medications. It develops either as part of the mechanism of action of an IOP-lowering medication, usually requiring no medical intervention, or as a sign of allergy or toxicity, usually requiring intervention. Therefore, differentiating between types of ocular hyperemia is clinically important.

AREAS COVERED

This clinically oriented narrative review explains the various types of topical glaucoma medication-induced ocular hyperemia, describing the underlying causes, mechanisms of development, and areas involved. Five types of ocular hyperemia associated with IOP-lowering medications are described, relating to the effects of preservatives and active ingredients in mono- and combination therapies. Relevant studies were identified through targeted searches of PubMed and Google Scholar, conducted in August 2024.

EXPERT OPINION

Clinicians should identify the type and severity of ocular hyperemia related to IOP-lowering medications and, accordingly, remove allergenic or toxic agents from therapy. Patients should be advised to continue treatment if ocular hyperemia is mild, especially if it is an expected side effect of the medication.

Managing Ocular Surface Disease in Glaucoma Treatment: A Systematic Review

Ocular surface disease (OSD) is a frequent disabling challenge among patients with glaucoma who use benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-containing topical glaucoma medications for prolonged periods. In this comprehensive review, we evaluated the prevalence of OSD and its management, focusing on both current and future alternatives. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were used to assess a) the impact of active ingredients and preservatives on the ocular surface and b) the efficacy of preservative-free (PF) alternatives and adjunctive therapies. BAK-containing glaucoma medications were found to significantly contribute to OSD by increasing corneal staining, reducing tear film stability, and elevating ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores. Transitioning to PF formulations or those with less cytotoxic preservatives, such as Polyquad® and SofZia®, demonstrated a marked improvement in OSD symptoms. In particular, the use of adjunct cyclosporine A, through its anti-inflammatory and enhanced tear film stability actions, was shown to be very beneficial to the ocular surface. Therefore, the most effective management of OSD is multi-factorial, consisting of switching to PF or less cytotoxic medications, adjunct use of cyclosporine A, and early incorporation of glaucoma surgical treatments such as laser trabeculoplasty, trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Corneal nerve changes by anti-glaucoma medications examined by in vivo confocal microscopy

AIM

To evaluate the effects of antiglaucoma eye drops on corneal nerves by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

METHODS

This study comprised 79 patients diagnosed with glaucoma and 16 healthy control individuals. Among the glaucoma patients, 54 were treated with medication, while 25 remained untreated. Central corneal images were evaluated by IVCM, and then ACCMetrics was used to calculate the following parameters: corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD), fiber length (CNFL), total branch density (CTBD), fiber area (CNFA), fiber width (CNFW), and fractal dimension (CNFrD). The correlation between IVCM parameters and drugs was evaluated using non-parametric measurements of Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The CNFD was reduced in glaucoma groups compared to healthy subjects (P<0.01). Patients using anti-glaucoma medications exhibited poorer confocal parameters compared to untreated patients. As the number of medications and usage count increased, CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, CTBD, CNFA, and CNFrD experienced a decline, while CNFW increased (all P<0.01). For the brinzolamide-therapy group, there was a significant decrease in CNFD and CNFL compared to the other monotherapy groups (P<0.001). In the absence of medication, CNFD in males was lower than that in females (P<0.05). Among patients under medication therapy, CNFD remained consistent between males and females.

CONCLUSION

Antiglaucoma eye drops affect the microstructure of corneal nerves. IVCM and ACCMetrics are useful tools that could be used to evaluate the corneal nerve changes.

Nummular keratitis: A rare manifestation of brimonidine allergy

A 32-year-old male, with juvenile open-angle glaucoma on chronic antiglaucoma therapy and recently introduced brimonidine eye drops to the treatment regimen, developed bilateral follicular conjunctivitis with subepithelial infiltrates (SEIs) initially resembling common infectious keratoconjunctivitis entities. The persistent nature of the conjunctivitis, the lack of positive conjunctival cultures, the absence of systemic symptoms, the full resolution of the condition upon discontinuation of antiglaucoma drops, and the commencement of topical steroids, along with the reappearance of SEIs upon reintroducing brimonidine; suggested an immune-mediated drug reaction secondary to a Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) preserved brimonidine tartrate 0.2% formulation. The interval between the initiation of brimonidine and the onset of the drug reaction was 13 months and shortened to 1 week upon re-exposure to the drug. The condition fully resolved without further sequelae off brimonidine. Brimonidine is notoriously known for causing ocular allergic reactions, the most common being follicular conjunctivitis, but very few reports exist describing its adverse effects on the cornea. This case highlights that brimonidine may directly or indirectly induce an immune reaction affecting the cornea in the form of SEIs. Brimonidine is, thus, capable of mimicking more commonly recognized infectious disease entities causing keratoconjunctivitis. This is the second report of a similar manifestation linked to its use.

Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial Comparing 0.1% Brimonidine/0.5% Timolol Versus 1% Dorzolamide/0.5% Timolol as Adjuncts to Prostaglandin Analogues: Aibeta Crossover Study

INTRODUCTION

This multicenter, randomized, comparative, and investigator-masked crossover clinical trial sought to compare the efficacy and tolerability of fixed combinations of 0.1% brimonidine/0.5% timolol (BTFC) versus 1% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol (DTFC) as adjunctive therapies to prostaglandin analogues.

METHODS

A total of 110 patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension previously treated with prostaglandin analogue monotherapy were randomized to receive either BTFC or DTFC as adjunctive therapy for 8 weeks. These patients were then crossed over to the alternative treatment arm for another 8 weeks. The reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) (primary outcome), occurrence of adverse events, ocular discomfort after instillation, and patient preference (secondary outcomes) were recorded through patient interviews.

RESULTS

BTFC instillation for 8 weeks reduced IOP by 3.55 mmHg, demonstrating non-inferiority to DTFC instillation (3.60 mmHg; P < 0.0001, mixed-effects model). Although adverse events were rare with both combinations, patients reported greater discomfort with DTFC than with BTFC (P < 0.0001). More patients preferred BTFC (P < 0.0001) over DTFC, as BTFC caused minimal or no eye irritation.

CONCLUSION

As BTFC offered better tolerability than DTFC with comparable reduction in IOP, we recommend it as an alternative for patients who experience ocular discomfort with DTFC-prostaglandin analogue combination therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

jRCTs051190125.

Ocular surface disease: a known yet overlooked side effect of topical glaucoma therapy

Ocular surface disease (OSD), a disorder affecting the lacrimal and meibomian glands and the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, is a well-known complication of topical glaucoma therapy. OSD can present as a new or pre-existing condition that virtually any anti-glaucoma formulation can exacerbate. As such, both glaucoma and OSD frequently coexist. Typical OSD symptoms include ocular discomfort, redness, burning, and dryness, whereas signs include periorbital and eyelid skin pigmentation, conjunctival scarring, and superficial punctate keratitis. Pressure-lowering eyedrops can cause toxic, allergic, and inflammatory reactions on the ocular surface. The latter can result from either preservatives or direct toxicity from the active molecule. Although usually mild, OSD can cause significant symptoms that lead to poor quality of life, decreased compliance to therapy, glaucoma progression, and worse visual outcomes. Given the chronic nature of glaucoma, lack of curative therapy, and subsequent lifelong treatment, addressing OSD is necessary. This manuscript aims to provide an up-to-date overview of OSD's signs, symptoms, and pathogenic mechanisms from glaucoma therapy toxicity.

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.

Recently Approved Drugs for Lowering and Controlling Intraocular Pressure to Reduce Vision Loss in Ocular Hypertensive and Glaucoma Patients

Serious vision loss occurs in patients affected by chronically raised intraocular pressure (IOP), a characteristic of many forms of glaucoma where damage to the optic nerve components causes progressive degeneration of retinal and brain neurons involved in visual perception. While many risk factors abound and have been validated for this glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON), the major one is ocular hypertension (OHT), which results from the accumulation of excess aqueous humor (AQH) fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. Millions around the world suffer from this asymptomatic and progressive degenerative eye disease. Since clinical evidence has revealed a strong correlation between the reduction in elevated IOP/OHT and GON progression, many drugs, devices, and surgical techniques have been developed to lower and control IOP. The constant quest for new pharmaceuticals and other modalities with superior therapeutic indices has recently yielded health authority-approved novel drugs with unique pharmacological signatures and mechanism(s) of action and AQH drainage microdevices for effectively and durably treating OHT. A unique nitric oxide-donating conjugate of latanoprost, an FP-receptor prostaglandin (PG; latanoprostene bunod), new rho kinase inhibitors (ripasudil; netarsudil), a novel non-PG EP2-receptor-selective agonist (omidenepag isopropyl), and a form of FP-receptor PG in a slow-release intracameral implant (Durysta) represent the additions to the pharmaceutical toolchest to mitigate the ravages of OHT. Despite these advances, early diagnosis of OHT and glaucoma still lags behind and would benefit from further concerted effort and attention.

Efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of 1% brinzolamide and 0.1% brimonidine as treatment for glaucoma: a retrospective study focusing on the number of ingredients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect based on the number of ingredients and survival rate due to adverse reactions of brinzolamide (1%)/brimonidine (0.1%) fixed combination (BBFC).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Among 424 patients newly administered BBFC from June 2020 to May 2021, 406 were retrospectively evaluated for adverse reactions and 299 were evaluated for the IOP-lowering effect of BBFC. Among those evaluated for IOP, group A (n=86) included patients whose treatment was changed to BBFC from other two ingredients, Group B (n=90) included patients who added one ingredient by switching to BBFC, and group C (n=123) included patients who added BBFC in addition to other drugs.

RESULTS

The mean IOP (mm Hg) at BBFC initiation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after BBFC initiation was 14.1, 14.0, 14.3 and 13.8 in group A, 15.9, 14.4, 13.8 and 14.5 in group B and 17.2, 14.0, 14.1 and 14.9 in group C, respectively. Group A showed no significant difference in mean IOP from baseline to any time point after BBFC initiation, whereas groups B and C showed significant IOP reductions at all time points. Seventy-three (18%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The survival rate was 72% at 12 months after the start of BBFC when discontinuation due to adverse reactions was defined as failure.

CONCLUSION

Using BBFC, sustained IOP or decreasing IOP were observed depending on the number of ingredients. Drop-outs due to the adverse reactions should also be given attention.

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.