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Published on: December 7, 2016
Effect of brimonidine on corneal thickness
Matthias Grueb1, Joerg Mielke, Jens Martin Rohrbach
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. matthias.grueb@web.de
Summary
Brimonidine eye drops temporarily increase corneal thickness and reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. These corneal changes are reversible, with effects returning to baseline levels shortly after treatment cessation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, is a standard treatment for glaucoma.
- While topical brimonidine is known to be absorbed by the cornea, its specific effects on corneal tissue are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of topical brimonidine 0.1% on intraocular pressure and corneal thickness in healthy individuals.
- To determine if brimonidine affects epithelial, stromal, or endothelial corneal layers.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized study involving 20 healthy participants.
- Measurements of intraocular pressure and corneal thickness (epithelial, stromal, endothelial) were taken before, during, and after 4 days of twice-daily brimonidine 0.1% eye drops.
- A placebo was administered to the contralateral eye.
Main Results:
- Brimonidine 0.1% significantly reduced intraocular pressure and reversibly increased total, epithelial, and stromal corneal thickness within 2 days.
- Corneal measurements returned to baseline levels within 4 days of treatment cessation.
- No significant changes were observed in endothelial corneal thickness.
- Lower intraocular pressure was noted in individuals with thinner corneas.
Conclusions:
- Topical brimonidine 0.1% causes a transient, reversible increase in corneal thickness.
- The clinical significance of this corneal thickening and the specific receptor mechanisms involved require further investigation.
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