The Effect of Short Term Use of Azopt in Normal Koreans

ABSTRACT

Azopt (brinzolamide ophthalmic suspension, 1%)is a carbonic anhydrase type II inhibitor,which reduces intraocular pressure by suppression of aque-ous humor production in ciliary process. It was developed as an agent which has little systemic side effect and was adjusted to physiologic ophthalmic environment. We observed the effect of intrao- cular pressure, pulsatile ocular blood flow and side effect to investigate the clinical effectiveness of Azopt in normal Azopt was instilled to 10 eyes of 10 volunteers and artificial tear was instilled to the other 10 eyes of 10 volunteers three times daily, respectively. We measured intraocular pressure by Goldman applanation tonometer at twohours, 8 hours, 1 day and 7 days after instillation. Pulsatile ocular blood flow, pupil diameter, blood pressure and pulse rate were also measured. Decrease of intraocular pressure after instillation of Azopt was statistically significant (p<0.05), compared with the pressure before instillation of Azopt and the decrease of pressure after instillation of artifical tear. No systemic side effect and ophthalmic discomfort was noted except for temporary visual blurring. Therefore we expect that Azopt will have a great effect on glaucoma patients in Korea who must be treated for long duration.