RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Topical apraclonidine hydrochloride 1% is effective for controlling the intraocular pressure (IOP) rise following argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT). The 0.5% formulation has recently become available commercially. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two concentrations for controlling IOP after ALT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing ALT were prospectively randomized to receive either 1% or 0.5% apraclonidine 1 hour before and immediately after the laser surgery. IOP was measured before and 2 and 24 hours after the treatment. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in mean IOPs was found between the two treatment groups at any time. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that 0.5% and 1% apraclonidine are equally effective for preventing IOP rise after ALT.