Efficacy and safety of apraclonidine in patients undergoing anterior segment laser surgery

The efficacy of 1.0% apraclonidine (para-aminoclonidine) in preventing the rise of intraocular pressure following anterior segment, laser surgery was evaluated in a randomised double-masked study. Ninety-nine consecutive patients requiring laser treatment of the anterior segment were included in the study. They were randomised into two groups, one receiving 1.0% para-aminoclonidine and the other placebo (vehicle of para-aminoclonidine). The drug caused a statistically significant reduction in pressure after the laser treatment without causing clinically significant side effects such as bradycardia or hypotension.