Long term effect of apraclonidine

Aims-To evaluate the effect of the chronic use of apraclonidine 0.5% on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients with glaucoma; also, to study the side effect profile of this drug when used chronically. Methods-All patients who had uncontrolled IOP, who were either already on glaucoma medications, or who were intolerant of other glaucoma medications were enrolled. A total of 185 patients were started on apraclonidine 0.5% two to three times a day in one eye. Results-Follow up extended to 35 weeks. The mean difference in IOP between treated and control eyes was 2.1 (SD 5.0) mm Hg. A similar IOP lowering effect was obtained comparing IOP difference from baseline in the treated eye only. Conclusion-By the end of the follow up period, 46% of patients were still on the medication. The drug was stopped in 23% of patients because of side effects and in 31% of patients because of failure to lower IOP significantly.