Influence of topical brimonidine on visual field in glaucoma

We evaluated the efficacy of topical brimonidine in visual field preservation and/or improvement in eyes undergoing controlled glaucoma.

Seventy eyes of patients were trained with two different visual field test strategies: The Octopus Tendency Oriented Perimetry (TOP) G1 and the Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) 30 degrees. Following 2-4 months of brimonidine treatment, there were significant improvements in visual field, as assessed using the TOP G1 strategy (p = 0.003). The FDT 30 degrees test revealed no statistically significant differences.

These data support the results of other studies, which indicate that brimonidine may increase mean sensitivity in visual field tests. Since it is known that the control of intraocular pressure does not fully protect glaucomatous eyes from visual field loss, it is possible that the neuroprotective qualities of brimonidine may contribute to visual field preservation in glaucomatous eyes.