Contrast sensitivity improves after brimonidine therapy in primary open angle glaucoma: a case for neuroprotection.

Author(s): Evans DW, Hosking SL, Gherghel D, Bartlett JD

Affiliation(s): School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.

Publication date & source: 2003-12, Br J Ophthalmol., 87(12):1463-5.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

AIMS: To determine the visual outcome following initiation of brimonidine therapy in glaucoma. METHODS: 16 newly diagnosed previously untreated glaucoma patients were randomly assigned to either timolol 0.5% or brimonidine 0.2%. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), visual fields, intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, and heart rate were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months. RESULTS: IOP reduction was similar for both groups (p<0.05). Brimonidine improved CS; in the right eye at 6 and 12 cpd (p=0.043, p=0.017); in the left eye at 3 and 12 cpd (p=0.044, p=0.046). Timolol reduced CS at 18 cpd in the right eye (p=0.041). There was no change in any other measured parameters. CONCLUSION: Glaucoma patients exhibit improved CS on initiation of brimonidine therapy.