A randomized study of dorzolamide in the prevention of elevated intraocular pressure after anterior segment laser surgery. Dorzolamide Laser Study Group.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride opthalmic solution in preventing spikes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after anterior segment laser surgery.

METHODS

This 24-hour, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-masked, multicenter evaluation was conducted to determine the efficacy of dorzolamide hydrochloride 2% in controlling IOP after neodimium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy, argon laser trabeculoplasty, or laser iridotomy. The 122 patients enrolled were assigned in randomized fashion to receive dorzolamide or placebo 1 hour before and immediately after the procedure; IOP was measured 1, 2, 3, 4, and 24 hours after the procedure.

RESULTS

Of 61 patients receiving dorzolamide, only one (1.7%) had a spike in IOP of 10 mmHg or more, compared with 9 (14.8%) of the 61 patients receiving placebo. Mean IOP among patients receiving dorzolamide was significantly reduced both from baseline and compared with that among patients receiving placebo from 1 to 4 hours after administration. Only 5 (8%) of the 61 patients receiving dorzolamide experienced at least one adverse event, compared with 15 (25%) of the 61 patients receiving placebo.

CONCLUSION

Dorzolamide was effective in preventing spikes in IOP after anterior segment laser surgery. Dorzolamide was generally well tolerated after short-term use.