The Effect of Brimonidine 0.1% on Disc Hemorrhage in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study evaluated the effect of adjunctive administration of brimonidine 0.1% on disc hemorrhage (DH) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or normal-tension glaucoma who were already treated with other anti-glaucoma drugs. METHODS: Patients with DH, before adjunctive therapy with brimonidine, were enrolled. Subjects were excluded if their treatment regimen was changed within 1 year after initiation of adjunctive therapy with brimonidine. We investigated the frequency of DH and intraocular pressure (IOP). Both parameters were compared before and after adjunctive administration of brimonidine. RESULTS: The frequency of DH before and after brimonidine administration was 0.67±0.68 and 0.31±0.72 times/year, respectively, with a significant decrease (P=0.01), and the mean IOP before and after brimonidine administration was 12.5±1.9 and 11.2±2.2 mmHg, respectively, (P=0.0006) with a significant reduction after adjunctive administration. CONCLUSION: The results of this study supported the hypothesis that the frequency of DH is reduced by brimonidine alongside lowering of IOP.