Miotic effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% ophthalmic solution in normal eyes.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% ophthalmic solution (Alphagan P) on pupil diameter in eyes of healthy adults under different luminance conditions.

SETTING

Center for Refractive Surgery, Ophthalmology Service, Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.

METHODS

Using a Colvard pupillometer, the pupil diameter was measured in 15 eyes of 15 healthy adults under 3 luminance conditions (scotopic, mesopic, photopic). The luminance of the room was measured using the Minolta LS-110 Luminance Meter. Pupil diameter was remeasured using the same technique 30 minutes, 4 hours, and 6 hours after administration of 1 drop of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% ophthalmic solution.

RESULTS

Under scotopic conditions (luminance 0.0 candelas [cd]/m(2)), the pupil diameter decreased by 1.0 mm or more in 100%, 87%, and 60% of eyes at 30 minutes, 4 hours, and 6 hours, respectively (P<.005); under mesopic conditions (luminance 0.2 cd/m(2)), in 93%, 73%, and 40% of eyes, respectively (P<.005); and under photopic conditions (luminance 150.2 cd/m(2)), in 73%, 87%, and 67% of eyes, respectively (P<.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Brimonidine tartrate 0.15% ophthalmic solution produced a significant miotic effect under all 3 luminance conditions. The reproducible miotic effect under scotopic and mesopic conditions may help postoperative refractive patients who report night-vision difficulties related to a large pupil.