2Professor, MD, Ophthalmology Department of Kütahya Health Sciences University DOI : 10.37844/glauc.cat.2021.16.23 Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of topical 0.1% brimonidine on the corneal densitometry.
Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 32 eyes of 17 patients who were diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma and treated with 0.1% brimonidine, and 28 eyes of 14 healthy individuals. Corneal densitometry and corneal thickness (CT) were evaluated in the three corneal zones (0-2, 2-6, 6-10) by Scheimpflug corneal topography at baseline and on day 3, 17 and 30 after the treatment.
Results: The CT values in the central and zones of 2, 6 and 10 mm on day 3 after treatment were statistically significantly thicker when compared to baseline and controls (p <0.001 for all). Corneal densitometry values in the central corneal layer in all three zones (0-2, 2-6, 6-10) on day 3 after treatment were statistically significantly higher when compared to baseline and controls (p <0.05 for all). However, there was no significant difference between CT and corneal densitometry values obtained at baseline and day 7 after treatment or day (p> 0.05, for all).
Conclusion: Our results show that topical 0.1% brimonidine administration caused an increase in corneal thickness in all zones while an increase in corneal densitometry values in the central corneal layer in all three corneal zones at short-term. The temporary effect of brimonidine on the cornea is probably due to fluid accumulation in the central corneal layer.
Keywords : Brimonidine, corneal densitometry, corneal thickness