Influence of topical brimonidine on visual field in glaucoma

PURPOSE. We evaluated the efficacy of topical brimonidine in visual field p reservation and/or improvement in eyes undergoing controlled glaucoma. METHODS. Seventy eyes of patients were trained with two different visual fi eld test strategies: The Octopus Tendency Oriented Perimetry (TOP) G1 and t he Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT) 30 degrees. Following 2-4 months of brimonidine treatment, there were significant improvements in visual field, as assessed using the TOP G1 strategy (p = 0.003). The FDT 30 degrees test revealed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS. These data support the results of other studies, which Indicat e that brimonidine may increase mean sensitivity In visual field tests. Sin ce it is known that the control of Intraocular pressure does not fully prot ect glaucomatous eyes from visual field loss, it is possible that the neuro protective qualities of brimonidine may contribute to visual field preserva tion in glaucomatous eyes.