Posterior capsule opacification: back to basics

Bimatoprost 0.03% versus brimonidine 0.2% in the prevention of intraocular pressure spike following neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser posterior capsulotomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% with brimonidine 0.2% in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations after neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, double-masked study, 195 eyes of 195 consecutive patients who had YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification were recruited. Eyes received either 1 drop of bimatoprost 0.03% (98 patients) or brimonidine 0.2% (97 patients) at 1h before laser surgery. A masked observer measured IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry before treatment and after treatment at 1h, 3h, 24h, and 7 days. Inflammation was evaluated after surgery. Formation of cystoid macular edema was assessed by measuring the macular thickness before and after laser surgery.

RESULTS

The average peak of postoperative IOP elevation was 2.2±3.9mm Hg in the bimatoprost 0.03% and 3.6±3.1mm Hg in the brimonidine 0.2% group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Postoperative IOP elevations of 10mm Hg or more occurred in 1 eye (1.56%) in the bimatoprost 0.03% group and 5 eyes (7.35%) in the brimonidine 0.2%. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Macular edema and anterior chamber reaction were not observed related to bimatoprost. No clinically significant side effects were noted in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that prophylactic use of bimatoprost 0.03% is more effective than brimonidine 0.2% in preventing IOP elevation immediately after YAG laser capsulotomy. Bimatoprost 0.03% as a prostamide analog may provide new option for preventing IOP elevation after YAG laser capsulotomy.