Short-Term Effect of Topical Brinzolamide 1%-Timolol 0.5% Fixed Combination on Human Central Corneal Thickness

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term effect of fixed combination of brinzolamide 1% and timolol 0.5% (FCBT) application on human central corneal thickness (CCT). Methods: This prospective clinical study included 97 patients having Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification. Patients were randomized to receive apraclonidine hydrochloride 0.5% (APRA) (n=48) or FCBT (n=49) at 1 h before laser surgery. The baseline CCT was evaluated by ultrasonographic pachymetry from the central region similar to 1 h before the laser procedure. CCT measurements were applied just before the laser application and then the first, second, and third hour, and the first, third, and seventh day after the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the baseline intraocular pressures, CCTs, and demographic and clinical data (age, sex, surgery laser interval, total laser energy) of the APRA and the FCBT groups. The mean CCT values of the APRA group at the first, second, and third hour, and the first, third, and seventh day were 553.8 +/- 28.0, 551.4 +/- 35.3, 556.8 +/- 28.7, 552.6 +/- 27.5, 548.2 +/- 26.2, and 546.2 +/- 25.5 mu m, respectively. The mean CCT values of the FCBT group at the first, second, and third hour, and the first, third, and seventh day were 544.21 +/- 34.4, 549.4 +/- 27.6, 555.94 +/- 33.1, 550.8 +/- 33.4, 547.2 +/- 33.6, and 544.9 +/- 33.4 mu m, respectively. No statistically significant difference was detected between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The difference in CCT increase between both groups was not statistically significant at any follow-up visits. FCBT application does not have a short-term effect on CCT.