Efficacy of apraclonidine ophthalmic solution (Iopidine) in presumed silicon oil-induced glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study evaluated the acute effects of topical ocular apraclonidine 1% (Iopidine) in 10 patients with presumed silicone oil-induced secondary glaucoma (SOIG) and in 10 patients with high-pressure primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) despite maximum tolerated medical therapy.
METHODS: Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were carried out before and 1, 2 and 3 h after a single drop of apraclonidine.
RESULTS: Patients with SIOG presented with a mean IOP of 30.0 +/- 2.8 mmHg, which was reduced to 21.7 +/- 2.9 mmHg (P < 0.001) after 1 h, to 20.4 +/- 2.3 mmHg (P < 0.001) after 2 h and to 20.0 +/- 2.5 mmHg (P < 0.001) after 3 h. In the POAG group, IOP was reduced from 25.9 +/- 1.9 mmHg before treatment to 18.9 +/- 1.4 mmHg after 1 h (P < 0.001), 17.7 +/- 1.2 mmHg after 2 h (P < 0.001) and 16.9 +/- 0.9 mmHg after 3 h (P < 0.001). There were no significant changes in blood pressure or pulse rate.
CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the activity of apraclonidine as an IOP suppressant.