An Investigation Comparing the Efficiency of Timolol 0.5% with Brimonidine 0.2% in Managing the Increase in Intraocular Pressure Subsequent to Nd-Yag Laser Capsulotomy

Abstract

Objective: Conducting a comparison between the efficacy of Timolol 0.5% eye drops and Brimonidine 0.2% eye drops in managing the elevation of intraocular pressure post Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy.

Study Design: Employed a randomized controlled trial.

Methodology: The research involved 80 patients (one eye per patient) aged between 45 and 70, diagnosed with posterior capsular opacification scheduled for Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Mathuradas Mathur Hospital (Dr. S. N. M. C.) in Jodhpur. The patients were divided into two groups, X and Y, each consisting of 40 individuals. Baseline intraocular pressure was measured using an applanation tonometer before administering eye drops. Group X received a single drop of Timolol 0.5%, while group Y received a single drop of Brimonidine 0.2% one hour prior to capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure was recorded at 1 hour and 4 hours post the laser procedure.

Results: Both groups comprised 40 patients each. The baseline IOP was 16±2.16 for group X and 15±2.56 for group Y. There was no statistically significant variance between the two groups in mean IOP changes at 1 hour following Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy. However, after 4 hours, the mean reduction in IOP was -1.54 mmHg for group X and -1.85 mmHg for group Y (p<0.5).

Conclusion: Our study indicates that both Timolol 0.5% eye drops and Brimonidine 0.2% eye drops are similarly effective in controlling elevated intraocular pressure after Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy.