Avaliação do colírio de brimonidina 0, 2% em comparação à nafazolina 0,025% + feniramina 0,3% nas cirurgias de estrabismo / Evaluation of 0.2% brimonidine eye drops compared to 0.025% naphazoline + 0.3% pheniramine in strabismus surgery

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do colírio de brimonidina 0,2% na redução da hiperemia e do sangramento ocular durante as cirurgias de estrabismo, em comparação com o colírio de nafazolina 0,025% + feniramina 0,3%. Métodos: Foram avaliados 14 pacientes com estrabismo e indicação de correção cirúrgica bilateral. Foi instilado antes do procedimento, de forma aleatória, um colírio em cada olho dos pacientes avaliados. A análise subjetiva da hiperemia conjuntival e do sangramento perioperatório foi realizada de forma duplo-cega, por dois cirurgiões. A avaliação objetiva do nível de hiperemia conjuntival foi realizada por análise das imagens obtidas por meio do software ImageJ®. Resultados: A análise de modelos multivariados de efeito misto indicou diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos em relação à hiperemia (avaliador 2) e ao sangramento intraoperatório (avaliadores 1 e 2), com maiores escores nos casos tratados com colírio de nafazolina + feniramina. Entretanto, não houve diferença estatística na análise objetiva realizada por meio da saturação de cores obtidas pelo programa ImageJ®. Conclusão: O colírio de brimonidina pode ser superior ao colírio de nafazolina + feniramina na redução do sangramento, levando-se em conta apenas a análise subjetiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of 0.2% brimonidine eye drops in reducing hyperemia and ocular bleeding during strabismus surgeries, in comparison with 0.025% naphazoline + 0.3% pheniramine eye drops. Methods: Fourteen patients with strabismus and indication for bilateral surgical correction were evaluated. Before the procedure, the eye drops were instilled randomly in each eye of the evaluated patients. The subjective analysis of conjunctival hyperemia and perioperative bleeding was performed in a double-blind manner, by 02 surgeons. The objective assessment of the level of conjunctival hyperemia was performed by analyzing the images obtained using the ImageJ® software. Results: The analysis of multivariate mixed effect models indicated statistically significant differences between the groups in relation to hyperemia (rater 2) and intraoperative bleeding (raters 1 and 2) with higher scores in cases treated with naphazoline + pheniramine eye drops. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the objective analysis of color saturation obtained by the ImageJ® program. Conclusion: Brimonidine eye drops may be superior to naphazoline + pheniramine eye drops in reducing bleeding, taking into account the subjective analysis only.

Comparison of Two Combinations of Maximum Medical Therapy for Lowering Intraocular Pressure in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

Uso de tartarato de brimonidina para resolução de matting telangiectásico: relato de caso / Use of brimonidine tartrate to resolve telangiectatic matting: case report

Resumo A escleroterapia é, atualmente, o tratamento de escolha para telangiectasias e veias reticulares, apresentando nível de recomendação 1ª pela diretriz europeia para escleroterapia. Os efeitos colaterais mais comuns desse procedimento são a hiperpigmentação e o matting telangiectásico, sendo este último um dos mais temidos em virtude do dano estético e da dificuldade de tratamento. O matting se refere a vasos com diâmetro inferior a 0,2 mm que podem surgir esporadicamente ou em áreas bem definidas, principalmente nos membros inferiores. Este relato apresenta um caso de matting tratado com o uso de tartarato de brimonidina tópico.

Abstract Sclerotherapy is currently the treatment of choice for telangiectasias and reticular veins, with grade 1A recommendation in the European Guideline for sclerotherapy. The most common side effects of this procedure are hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic matting, the second of which provokes great concern because of the esthetic damage and the difficulty of treatment. Matting refers to vessels with a diameter of less than 0.2 mm, which may emerge irregularly or in well-defined areas, especially on the lower limbs. This report presents a case of matting treated with topical Brimonidine Tartrate.

Brimonidine-induced unilateral ocular lichen planus: a case report / Líquen plano ocular unilateral induzido por brimonidina: relato de caso

ABSTRACT This report was written to describe a case of unilateral brimonidine-induced conjunctival lichen planus. Because the ophthalmic examination indicated chronic conjunctivitis or drug-induced pseudopemphigoid, the patient underwent thorough ophthalmic and systemic examinations, as well as conjunctival biopsy and direct immunofluorescence studies. A 71-year-old woman with unilateral left eye findings of chronic conjunctivitis was referred to our Ophthalmology Department. The patient reported that chronic conjunctivitis began shortly after she initiated use of topical brimonidine. Ophthalmic examination revealed foreshortening of the inferior fornix and symblepharon. Conjunctival biopsy revealed submucous lymphocytes and shaggy distribution of fibrinogen on direct immunofluorescence; this was suggestive of ocular lichen planus. No other systemic lesions were found that were consistent with the presentation of lichen planus. A good response was observed to topical cyclosporine treatment. To our knowledge, this may be the first report of unilateral ocular lichen planus without systemic findings. The correlation with the initiation of topical brimonidine suggests that this might be the first case of biopsy-confirmed brimonidine-induced ocular lichen planus.

RESUMO Este relato é para descrever um caso de líquen plano conjuntival unilateral induzido por brimonidina. Como o exame oftalmológico indicava conjuntivite crônica ou pseudopenfigóide induzido por medicamento, o paciente foi submetido a exames oftalmológicos e sistémicos completos, além de biópsia conjuntival e estudos de imunofluorescência direta. Uma mulher de 71 anos de idade com achados unilaterais do olho esquerdo de conjuntivite crônica foi encaminhada ao nosso departamento de Oftalmologia. A paciente relatou que a conjuntivite crônica começou logo após o início do uso da brimonidina tópica. O exame oftalmológico revelou encurtamento do fórnice inferior e do symblepharon. A biópsia conjuntival revelou linfócitos submucosos e distribuição felpuda de fibrinogênio na imunofluorescência direta; isso era sugestivo de líquen plano ocular. Não foram encontradas outras lesões sistêmicas compatíveis com a apresentação do líquen plano. Uma boa resposta foi observada no tratamento tópico com ciclosporina. Pelo nosso conhecimento, este pode ser o primeiro relato de líquen plano ocular unilateral sem achados sistêmicos. A correlação com o início da brimonidina tópica sugere que este pode ser o primeiro caso de líquen plano ocular induzido por brimonidina confirmado por biópsia.

Comparison of Allergy Prevalence between Brimonidine/Timolol Fixed Combination and 0.15% Brimonidine in Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE: To compare the allergy prevalence and clinical manifestations of 0.2% brimonidine/0.5% timolol fixed combination (BTFC) and 0.15% brimonidine in Korean patients with glaucoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 196 glaucoma patients treated with BTFC and 234 glaucoma patients treated with 0.15% brimonidine. We compared sex, age, type of glaucoma, treatment period, allergy history, onset time of ocular allergy and clinical characteristics of allergy in the two groups. RESULTS: Ocular allergy percentages 10.14% in the BTFC group and 22.02% in the 0.15% brimonidine group, and the risk of allergy was approximately 0.4 times lower in patients using BTFC (hazard ratio = 2.5, p = 0.009). The BTFC group developed ocular allergy at a mean of 20.5 months (range: 1.7–51.1 months), and the 0.15% brimonidine group developed ocular allergy at a mean of 7.7 months (range: 0.4–50.8 months). In the BTFC group, 50% of the ocular allergy occurred within 15 months, and within 5 months in the 0.15% brimonidine group. Clinical characteristics of brimonidine allergy involved two types of conjunctival follicles and conjunctival papillae, but there were no significant differences in incidence according to allergy type (p = 0.566). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ocular allergy in the BTFC group was lower than that in the 0.15% brimonidine group in Korean patients with glaucoma. The results of this study are expected to be useful for patient education and compliance improvement using brimonidine.

Secondary glaucoma induced by bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris / Glaucoma secundário à despigmentação bilateral aguda da íris

Abstract We report a case of a middle-aged woman who developed acute, bilateral, symmetrical, slightly transilluminating depigmentation of the iris and pigment discharge into the anterior chamber following the use of oral moxifloxacin for bacterial sinusitis. She had been misdiagnosed as having autoimmune uveitis, treated with steroids and tropicamide, and underwent severe ocular hypertension and glaucoma despite posterior correct diagnosis.

Resumo Relato de um caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino de meia idade que desenvolveu despigmentação bilateral simultânea aguda com dispersão de pigmentos na câmara anterior e discreta transiluminação após o uso de moxifloxacino oral para tratamento de sinusite bacteriana. Ela Havia sido diagnosticada com uveite autoimune e tratada com corticosteroide tópico e tropicamida e evoluiu com hipertensão ocular grave e glaucoma apesar de ,posteriormente, o diagnóstico ter sido correto.

Unilateral floppy eyelid syndrome with ipsilateral intolerance to brimonidine / Síndrome da palpebral flácida unilateral com intolerância a brimonidina ipsilateral

Abstract The authors report a case of unilateral floppy eyelid syndrome with ipsilateral intolerance to brimonidine in a 65-year-old man. The singularity of this case is the combination of two rare illnesses of great phlogistic potentiality in the same eye. The purpose of this article is to report a case of unilateral floppy eyelid syndrome with ipsilateral intolerance to brimonidine, emphasizing a possible relation between them. The result was a unilateral keratopathy that emulated an intraepithelial neoplasia. The key to solving the problem was an unexplained anterior uveitis that raised the suspicion of drug toxicity.The upper eyelid eversion of the affected eye during sleep seemed to be the common denominator of both ailments. The bizarre aspect of the epitheliopathy most likely resulted from the combination of trauma, insufficient lubrication, and drug intolerance.

Resumo Os autores relatam um caso de síndrome da pálpebra flácida unilateral com intolerância ipsilateral à brimonidina em um homem de 65 anos de idade. A singularidade deste caso é a combinação de duas doenças raras de grande potencialidade inflamatória no mesmo olho. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar um caso de síndrome da pálpebra flácida com intolerância ipsilateral à brimonidina, enfatizando uma possível relação entre eles. O resultado foi uma ceratopatia unilateral que simulou uma neoplasia intra-epitelial. A chave para resolver o problema foi uma uveíte anterior inexplicável que levantou a suspeita de toxicidade medicamentosa. A eversão da pálpebra superior do olho afetado durante o sono parece ser o denominador comum de ambas as doenças. O aspecto bizarro da epiteliopatia provavelmente resultou da combinação de trauma, lubrificação insuficiente e intolerância ao medicamento.

Manifestações oftalmológicas de Síndrome de Klippel Trenaunay / Ophthalmological manifestation of the Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome

RESUMO A Síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay (SKT) é uma doença congênita rara, com maior prevalência no sexo masculino e incidência de 2-5:100.000. Apresenta-se, na forma clássica, como a tríade de manchas vinho porto, hipertrofia de membros e malformação venosa e/ou linfática. O diagnóstico é essencialmente clínico e devido à complexidade da síndrome, de natureza progressiva e ampla variedade de apresentações clínicas, os pacientes devem ser tratados de forma individualizada por uma equipe multidisciplinar. Alterações oftalmológicas associadas à SKT incluem anormalidades vasculares da órbita, íris, retina, coroide e nervo óptico. Relato de caso: Paciente de 23 anos, sexo feminino, portadora de SKT, em acompanhamento no Centro da Visão - Universidade Federal do Paraná, com queixa de diminuição da acuidade visual em olho direito. A paciente apresentava manchas vinho porto em dimidio direito e hipertrofia de membros ipsilateral. Foi diagnosticado glaucoma e realizados exames complementares oftalmológicos a fim de avaliar o grau de comprometimento dos campos visuais e o fundo de olho. A visão com a melhor correção foi de 20/100 OD e foi de 20/20 OE. À fundoscopia, constatou-se aumento da escavação do nervo óptico à direita - 0,75 x 0,90 mm. Optou-se por tratamento clínico com Cloridrato de Dorzolamida, Latanoprosta, Brimonidina e Timolol, com bons resultados a longo prazo - a tonometria de aplanação mostrou 19 mmHg OD e 15 mmHg OE, apesar da dificuldade na estabilização da doença. Conclusão: Relatos demonstram que os resultados dos tratamentos clínico e cirúrgico do glaucoma em associação à SKT são insatisfatórios quando comparados a outros tipos de glaucoma - o controle clínico não é possível em cerca de 1/3 dos pacientes, e o manejo cirúrgico tem alto índice de complicações. São necessários estudos mais expressivos que estabeleçam a correlação entre glaucoma e SKT e embasem o tratamento de escolha.

ABSTRACT The Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disease, which the prevalence is higher in males, and its incidence of 25:100,000. It is presented in its classic form as the triad of port-wine stains, enlarged limbs and venous and / or lymphatic malformation. The diagnosis is essentially clinical and due to the complexity of the syndrome, the progressive characteristic and the wide variety of clinical presentations, a multidisciplinary team should treat patients individually. The ocular changes associated with KTS include vascular, orbit, iris, retina, choroid and optic nerve abnormalities. Case report: A 23-year-old female patient, carrier KTS, being followed at Vision Center - Federal University of Paraná, complaining of decreased visual acuity in the right eye. The patient had port-wine stains in right hemibody and hypertrophy of ipsilateral members. Glaucoma was diagnosed and eye exams were performed to assess the degree of impairment of visual fields and fundus. The best correction was checked at 20/100 OD and 20/20 OS. At fundoscopy, there was increased excavation of the optic nerve right - 0.75 x 0.90 mm. Clinical treatment was chosen with Dorzolamide Hydrochloride, Latanoprost, Brimonidine and Timolol, presenting good long-term results - the tonometry showed 19 mmHg OD and 15 mmHg OS, despite the difficulty in stabilizing the disease. Conclusion: Reports have shown that the results of clinical and surgical treatments of glaucoma in association with KTS are unsatisfactory compared to other types of glaucoma - clinical control is not possible in about 1/ 3 of patients and the surgical management has a high rate of complications. Significant studies are needed to establish the correlation between glaucoma and KTS, and base the treatment of choice.

Neuroprotective Effects of Betaxolol Mediated by Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction in RGC-5

PURPOSE: To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of betaxolol (betaxolol hydrochloride) under hypoxic conditions using retinal ganglion cells (RGC-5) and determine whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression exerts cytoprotective effects. METHODS: In this study, cultured RGC-5 cells were incubated with different concentrations of betaxolol hydrochloride (0.1 microM, 1 microM or 5 microM) and with 10 microM zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), in a hypoxia incubator (1% O2, 5% CO2, 94% N2) for 48 hours and the cell viability of each group was determined. Additionally, cell viability was measured after RGC-5 cells were incubated with 5 microM of brinzolamide (Azopt(R)), brimonidine tartrate (Alphagan(R)) or travoprost (Travatan(R)). RGC-5 cells were divided into three groups and incubated under three different conditions, normoxia group (20% O2, 5% CO2), hypoxia group (1% O2, 5% CO2) and the group with 5 microM of Betoptic S(R) treated under hypoxic conditions (hypoxia, Betoptic S(R)). After incubation for 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours, HO-1 expression was analyzed using Western blotting. RESULTS: Cell viability significantly increased in RGC-5 cells treated with Betoptic S(R) compared with other antiglaucoma agents. Increased levels of HO-1 expression indicate its relevance in cell viability. Furthermore, increased RGC-5 cell viability by Betoptic S(R) was significantly reduced in the HO-1 inhibitor ZnPP-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: We reaffirmed the known cytoprotective effects of Betoptic S(R) and the results suggests that HO-1 expression exerts cytoprotective effects against hypoxia.

The Efficacy of Brinzolamide 1%/Brimonidine 0.2% Fixed Combination in Normal Tension Glaucoma

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination (BBFC) in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. METHODS: This prospective study included patients treated with brinzolamide 1% monotherapy, brimonidine 0.2% monotherapy or brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.2% concomitant therapy, as well as newly diagnosed NTG patients. The enrolled patients who used brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.2% switched to BBFC and newly diagnosed NTG patients were treated with BBFC. The patients receiving brinzolamide 1% or brimonidine 0.2% monotherapy or brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.2% concomitant therapy switched antiglaucoma drugs to BBFC. Newly diagnosed NTG patients used BBFC as the first therapy. The study consisted of 1 screening/baseline visit and 3 follow-up visits conducted after 1, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Intraocular pressure (IOP), mean deviation value and adverse drug reactions were evaluated before treatment and after treatment with BBFC. RESULTS: The mean IOP in the brinzolamide 1% monotherapy group was 13.5 ± 1.6 mm Hg and the mean IOP after switched from brinzolamide 1% monotherapy to BBFC was 12.1 ± 1.5 mm Hg. The mean IOP in the brimonidine 0.2% monotherapy group was 14.2 ± 1.3 mm Hg and the mean IOP after switched from brimonidine 0.2% monotherapy to BBFC was 11.7 ± 1.5 mm Hg. The mean IOP was 11.9 ± 2.1 mm Hg in the brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.2% concomitant therapy group and the mean IOP after switched from brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine 0.2% concomitant therapy to BBFC was 12.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg. The mean IOP and reduction rate were 10.7 ± 2.1 mm Hg and 35.5%, respectively,in the newly diagnosed NTG patients treated with BBFC. There was no serious adverse drug reaction causing ocular damage. CONCLUSIONS: BBFC provides a significant IOP reduction and is a safe antiglaucoma medication for NTG patients.

Effect of Bimatoprost on the Permeability of Trabecular Meshwork Cell Monolayer

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of bimatoprost on the permeability of cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) monolayer. METHODS: HTMCs were cultured until confluency in the inner Transwell chamber and then exposed to benzalkonium chloride, brimonidine, latanoprost or bimatoprost for 1 week. Carboxyfluorescein permeability through the HTMC monolayer was measured using a spectrofluorometer after 2 hours in the outer chamber. Cellular viability was assessed using the MTT assay. RESULTS: Each drug diluted at 1/1000X did not affect the cellular survival (p > 0.05). Brimonidine, latanoprost and bimatoprost did not affect the carboxyfluorescein permeability through the HTMC monolayer (p > 0.05). The carboxyfluorescein permeability was not different between latanoptost and bimatoprost after 1 week of exposure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bimatoprost, a drug known to increase trabecular outflow, does not affect the carboxyfluorescein permeability through the HTMC monolayer. Thus, the effect on the trabecular outflow of bimatoprost may not be significant.

Brimonidine tartrate effect on retinal spreading depression depends on Müller cells / O efeito do tartarato de brimonidina sobre a depressão alastrante retiniana depende das células de Müller

Objective: Demonstrate the Brimonidine effect over Retinal Spreading Depression (SD). Brimonidine is an alpha-2–adrenergic receptor agonist, used in the management of glaucoma. Alpha2-agonists have been shown to be neuroprotective in various experimental models, however the molecular and cellular targets leading to these actions are still poorly defined. The SD of neuronal electric activity is a wave of cellular massive sustained depolarization that damages the nervous tissue. Local trauma, pressure, ischemic injuries and other chemical agents as high extracellular potassium concentration or glutamate, can trigger SD, leading to exaggerated focal electrical followed by an electrical silence. Methods: Using chicken retina as model, we performed alpha2-receptor detection by Western Blotting and Immunohistochemistry. After that we obtained electrical signals of SD by microelectrodes on retina in the absence or presence of Brimonidine. For in vivo visualization we observed retina with optical coherence tomography on normal state, with SD passing, and with SD + Brimonidine. Results: Our data demonstrated that: (1) alpha2-adrenergic receptors are present in Müller cells, (2) the treatment with Brimonidine decreases the SD‘s velocity as well as the voltage of SD waves and (3) OCT revealed that SD creates a hyper reflectance at inner plexiform layer, but on retinal treatment with brimonidine, SD was not visualized. Conclusions: Our study about brimonidine possible pathways of neuroprotection we observed it reduces SD (a neuronal damage wave), identified a new cellular target – the Müller cells, as well as, firstly demonstrated SD on OCT, showing that the inner plexiform layer is the main optically affected layer on SD. .

Objetivo: Demonstrar o efeito do Tartarato de Brimonidina, um alfa2-agonista usado no manejo do glaucoma, sobre a depressão alastrante (DA) retiniana. Esses agonistas têm demonstrado ser neuroprotetores em vários modelos experimentais, contudo seus alvos celulares e moleculares continuam indefinidos. A DA da atividade elétrica neuronal é uma onda de despolarização celular massiva e sustentada que leva ao dano no tecido nervoso. Trauma local, pressão, isquemia e outros agentes químicos como o aumento do potássio extracelular e o glutamato podem disparar a DA, levando a uma atividade elétrica exagerada seguida de silêncio elétrico. Métodos: Usando a retina de pinto como modelo, realizamos a detecção do alfa2-receptor por Western Blotting e ensaio Imunohistoquímico. Após isso, obtivemos os sinais elétricos da DA através de microeletrodos inseridos na retina durante sua passagem na presença ou ausência de Brimonidina. Para visualização do tecido utilizamos o tomógrafo de coerência optica (OCT), analisando como é a retina no seu estado de repouso, durante a passagem da DA, e a DA + brimonidina. Resultados: Nossos dados demonstraram que: (1) os receptores alfa adrenérgicos presentes na retina são do subtipo-2A e estão localizados nas células de Müller; (2) o tratamento com Brimonidina diminui a velocidade e a voltagem da onda de DA; (3) A OCT demonstrou que a DA retiniana possui um sinal óptico de maior reflectância na camada plexiforme interna, fato não observado quando foi associada à Brimonidina. Conclusão: A Brimonidina foi capaz de reduzir a DA (uma onda de lesão neuronal) e identificamos um novo possível alvo celular – a célula de Müller e demonstramos pela primeira vez uma OCT da DA, visualizando a camada plexiforme interna como a mais afetada opticamente pelo fenômeno. .

Incipient non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy: a distinct clinical entity, the Singapore scene 3

We report five cases of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) where spontaneous resolution of the optic disc swelling occurred, and all relevant visual modalities were normal at presentation and remained so until resolution of the process after a median time of 9.6 weeks. This condition, which can be termed 'incipient NA‑AION' or 'threatened NA-AION', should be recognised so that unnecessary investigations for other and more serious causes of optic disc swelling can be prevented.

Changes in the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer after Intravitreal Injections of Bevacizumab in Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE: To examine retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in patients with or without underlying glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 104 eyes of 104 patients with retinal disease undergoing intravitreal injection of bevacizumab were prospectively investigated. Bevacizumab injections (1.25/0.05 mg/mL) were performed using a standardized technique. In the patient who had pretreatment with intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication, 1 drop of brimonidine was instilled 30 minutes before the injection. Before and after the intravitreal injections, the patients were monitored for IOP and evaluated with optical coherence tomography using Stratus at least 3 months after the injection. RESULTS: Thirty minutes after injection, 6.4% of patients had an IOP over 30 mm Hg in the non-pretreatment group while no patient had an IOP over 30 mm Hg in the pretreatment group. In eyes with only retinal diseases, the RNFL thickness did not change significantly after the injection regardless of pretreatment, whereas in eyes with underlying glaucomatous damage and no pretreatment, significant decrease in RNFL thickness was observed at the superior (p = 0.036) and temporal (p = 0.048) sectors of the optic nerve head without pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab did not typically cause significant changes in RNFL thickness; however, in eyes with underlying glaucoma without pretreatment, a significant decrease in RNFL thickness was observed in the superior and temporal sectors of the optic nerve head. Therefore, applying IOP-lowering pretreatment medication before intravitreal injection of bevacizumab is required for protection of RNFL in glaucoma patients.

Changes in the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer after Intravitreal Injections of Bevacizumab in Glaucoma Patients

PURPOSE: To examine retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab in patients with or without underlying glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 104 eyes of 104 patients with retinal disease undergoing intravitreal injection of bevacizumab were prospectively investigated. Bevacizumab injections (1.25/0.05 mg/mL) were performed using a standardized technique. In the patient who had pretreatment with intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication, 1 drop of brimonidine was instilled 30 minutes before the injection. Before and after the intravitreal injections, the patients were monitored for IOP and evaluated with optical coherence tomography using Stratus at least 3 months after the injection. RESULTS: Thirty minutes after injection, 6.4% of patients had an IOP over 30 mm Hg in the non-pretreatment group while no patient had an IOP over 30 mm Hg in the pretreatment group. In eyes with only retinal diseases, the RNFL thickness did not change significantly after the injection regardless of pretreatment, whereas in eyes with underlying glaucomatous damage and no pretreatment, significant decrease in RNFL thickness was observed at the superior (p = 0.036) and temporal (p = 0.048) sectors of the optic nerve head without pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab did not typically cause significant changes in RNFL thickness; however, in eyes with underlying glaucoma without pretreatment, a significant decrease in RNFL thickness was observed in the superior and temporal sectors of the optic nerve head. Therefore, applying IOP-lowering pretreatment medication before intravitreal injection of bevacizumab is required for protection of RNFL in glaucoma patients.

Efectividad y seguridad de la combinación de brimonidina con timolol para el tratamiento de glaucoma de ángulo abierto y cerrado y de la hipertensión ocular / Effectiveness and safety of the combination of brimonidine and timolol for the treatment of open and closed angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Antecedentes: Descripción de la condición de salud de interés: El glaucoma se define como una neuropatía óptica con daño estructural del nervio óptico acompañado de una disfunción visual secundaria. Un daño leve del nervio óptico puede ser asintomático; 50% de los pacientes en países desarrollados con glaucoma pueden no saber que padecen de dicha enfermedad. Sin embargo, conforme la enfermedad avanza los síntomas se instauran y empeoran reduciendo la visión periférica, la sensibilidad al contraste, entre otras funciones propias de la visión, comprometiendo la realización de las actividades diarias y en última instancia, el desarrollo de ceguera. Descripción de la tecnología: El tratamiento farmacológico para el glaucoma busca disminuir la presión intraocular a un nivel que sea seguro para el paciente, disminuyendo la producción de humor acuoso o aumentando la salida del mismo del ojo, con el fin de evitar la aparición de ceguera por glaucoma. Evaluación de efectividad y seguridad: Pregunta de investigación: En pacientes con Glaucoma de Ángulo Abierto (GAA) o Cerrado (GAC) o con Presión Intraocular (PIO) elevada, ¿es más efectiva y segura la combinación de brimonidina con timolol, en comparación con brimonidina, timolol, latanoprost, acetazolamida, pilocarpina, betaxolol, tafluprost o Bimatorprost para reducir la presión intraocular? La pregunta de investigación fue validada teniendo en cuenta las siguientes fuentes de información: registro sanitario INVIMA, Acuerdo 029 de 2011, guías de práctica clínica, reportes de evaluación de tecnologías, revisiones sistemáticas y narrativasd la iteratura, estudios de prevalencia/incidencia y carga de enfermedad, consulta con expertos temáticos, y otros actores clave. prevalencia/incidencia y carga de enfermedad, consulta con expertos temáticos, y otros actores clave. Población: Adultos con diagnóstico de hipertensión intraocular, glaucoma de ángulo abierto o de ángulo cerrado. Métodos de síntesis de la evidencia: Para cada comparación y sus respectivos desenlaces (de seguridad y efectividad) se seleccionó el estudio que cumplió con los siguientes criterios: a) disponibilidad de evidencia directa (estudios cabeza a cabeza, con análisis pragmáticos "Intención a Tratar"), b) evidencia de alta calidad, c) no importante heterogeneidad clínica, estadística y metodológica y d) precisión del tamaño del efecto. Conclusiones: Efectividad: La combinación de \r\nbrimonidina con timolol es igual de efectiva a timolol como monoterapia. No se encontraron comparaciones contra brimonidina, latanoprost, acetazolamida, pilocarpina, betaxolol, tafluprost y bimatoprost. Seguridad: Seguridad: No se encontraron desenlaces de seguridad en el estudio incluido.

A Case of Herpetic Simplex Keratitis after Application of 0.015% Tafluprost Eye Drops

PURPOSE: To report a single case of herpes simplex keratitis after application of 0.015% tafluprost eye drops. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old male presented with left eye discomfort, epiphora, decreased visual acuity and hyperemia. The patient was diagnosed with glaucoma 6 weeks prior and started on 0.015% tafluprost eye drops in left eye and 0.15% brimonidine in both eyes. On slit lamp examination dendritic epithelial defect was observed and the patient was diagnosed with herpes simplex keratitis. The 0.015% tafluprost treatment was discontinued and 0.15% brimonidine was applied in both eyes twice a day. The herpetic keratitis in his left eye resolved completely in 2 weeks with acyclovir ointment and oral antiviral agent. No further recurrence was observed in the following 3 months.

Effect of brimonidine on anterior-chamber angle in patients with narrow angles

Objective@#This study investigated the effect of brimonidine on the anterior-chamber angle in eyes with narrow angles using noncontact three-dimensional anterior-segment analyzer Pentacam.@*Methods@#Nine eyes with narrow angles were distributed to one of three treatment groups—single topical dose of 0.15% brimonidine tartrate, 0.5% timolol maleate (positive control), or balanced salt solution (negative control)—in a prospective, single-masked, crossover, comparative trial. The primary outcome measure was anterior-chamber angle at baseline, and 2 and 4 hours after instillation of the treatment drug. Secondary outcome measures were pupil diameter, intraocular pressure (IOP), and anterior-chamber depth and volume. After a two-week washout period, eyes were crossed over to the other treatment modes. All baseline and posttreatment measurements were taken. Repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis.@*Results@#Anterior-chamber angle, depth, and volume did not differ significantly for all treatment groups. Brimonidine caused a significant decrease in pupil diameter, most notably 2 hours after instillation, from baseline of 2.36 ± 0.37 mm to 2.17 ± 0.35 mm. (p = 0.03). There was a significant decrease in IOP from baseline to hour 4 after treatment for both brimonidine (11.4 ± 2.2 to 9 ± 1.8 mm Hg, p < 0.001) and timolol (11.9 ± 2.3 to 9.4 ± 2.1 mm Hg, p = 0.003).@*Conclusions@#Brimonidine produced a miotic trend with no significant opening of the anterior-chamber angle in patients with narrow angles.

Changes in the Lacrimal Excretory System Depending on the Administration Mode of Brimonidine Tartrate: Spray vs. Irrigation

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of 0.15% brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution spray on the luminal changes in the nasolacrimal excretory system. METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 52 eyes in 26 patients complaining of epiphora in both eyes. The randomly-assigned 26 test eyes (cases) received spray of the solution through the nasal cavity, and the other 26 eyes (controls) were irrigated with the same drug through the inferior calnaliculus. Dacryocystography was then performed to observe the luminal changes jn the nasolacrimal excretory system, patient symptoms and physiologic drainage functions. RESULTS: The changes in lumen width of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) were noted, and the changes in lumen width of the lacrimal sac were not significant in either mode. The upper and middle parts of the NLD were widened more in the irrigation group, and the lower part of the NLD was widened more in the spray group. Though there was no significant difference in the physiologic drainage functions, the patients in both groups reported reduced symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine tartrate spray altered the width of the NLD and improved the subjective symptoms of patients. Therefore, the spray can be applied in functional NLD obstruction patients before the surgical procedure.