Alphagan-P Shows Promise in Correcting Post-LASIK Low Residual Myopia : Study
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that Alphagan-P (brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.15%) could be an effective option for managing low residual myopia after LASIK surgery. The research found that around 50% of patients experienced a reduction of up to 0.5 diopters in residual myopia following treatment with Alphagan-P.
Residual myopia—commonly reported after LASIK—can affect patient satisfaction and visual clarity. While enhancements or retreatment are possible, not all patients are eligible or willing to undergo further laser correction.
That’s where topical therapies like Alphagan-P may offer a non-invasive, pharmacological alternative. The researchers conducted a prospective analysis of post-LASIK patients with low levels of residual myopia who were administered Alphagan-P twice daily. Over the treatment period, a statistically significant improvement in refractive error was observed in approximately half the cohort. The proposed mechanism behind the drug’s effect is its ability to induce miosis (pupil constriction), which can improve depth of focus and reduce refractive error, particularly in dim light or near tasks.
The therapy was generally well tolerated, with only minor side effects reported. Given its safety profile and ease of use, the authors suggest Alphagan-P could be considered as a first-line option for patients seeking minor correction without further surgery. However, they emphasize the need for longer-term studies to confirm the durability of results and rule out any long-term adverse effects from chronic use.
Reference:
Haider, A., Rizwan, M. S., Nadeem, M., Javed, M. R., & Jameel, A. (2024). Use of topical brimonidine tartrate (Alphagan-P) for residual myopia after LASIK. PLOS ONE, 19(7), e0329364. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0329364
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