Influence of apraclonidine and pilocarpine alone and in combination on post laser trabeculoplasty pressure rise.

Apraclonidine and pilocarpine have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes following argon laser trabeculoplasty. An additional reduction in the incidence of acute pressure rise might theoretically be expected by combining these two effective agents. In a prospective randomised study we compared the ability of apraclonidine and pilocarpine alone and in combination to prevent post laser pressure spikes. Patients receiving regular pilocarpine to either eye were excluded. Seventy five eyes received either apraclonidine (26 eyes), pilocarpine (23 eyes), or both drugs (26 eyes). Apraclonidine 1% was instilled 1 hour before and immediately after, and pilocarpine 4% immediately after trabeculoplasty. IOP was measured before and at 1, 2, and 3 hours following trabeculoplasty. In only two (8%) eyes receiving combined treatment was a pressure rise observed. This frequency was significantly lower than that seen in eyes treated with apraclonidine alone (38%), or pilocarpine alone (39%). The mean fall in IOP at 1, 2, and 3 hours was significantly greater in those eyes receiving combined treatment than in the other two groups.