Apraclonidine effects on ocular responses to YAG laser irradiation to the rabbit iris.

Apraclonidine (p-aminoclonidine) ophthalmic solution effectively reduces the rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) following anterior segment laser surgery. We tested the effect of topical 0.5% apraclonidine on intraocular pressure and on protein and prostaglandin (PG) E2 concentrations in aqueous humor following Q-switched Nd:YAG laser irradiation to the iris of albino rabbits, at an energy level of 2 to 200 mJ. IOP was measured prior to and for 24 hr after irradiation. Aqueous humor was withdrawn before and 1 hr after laser irradiation for determining protein (Lowry method) and PGE2 (radioimmunoassay). Four to seven rabbits were used for each experiment. The increase in IOP and protein concentration following laser irradiation was demonstrated to be dependent on the amount of laser energy. Apraclonidine completely abolished the IOP rise, and significantly reduced the elevation of protein content. Apraclonidine failed to affect the increase in PGE2.