The effect of tropicamide 0.5% versus tropicamide 1% on intraocular pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To assess and compare the effects of tropicamide 0.5% and tropicamide 1% on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods A total of 98 eyes of 98 open-angle diabetic patients were included in this double-masked randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either tropicamide 0.5% (49 eyes) or tropicamide 1% (49 eyes). IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry; PD was measured by Pentacam HR (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), before and 30 minutes after tropicamide administration. Results Post-dilation mean IOP was similar to pre-dilation mean IOP in both groups (P ˃ 0.5). No participants had an IOP increase of 5 mm Hg or more and a post-dilation IOP ˃ 21 mm Hg. Mean PD change and IOP change was 2.99 ± 0.62 mm and 0.12 ± 1.71 mm Hg in the tropicamide 0.5% group, and was 3.11 ± 0.55 mm and 0.25 ± 1.70 mm Hg in the tropicamide 1% group, with no significant difference (P = 0.31, P = 0.72, respectively). Conclusion The effect of tropicamide 0.5% and tropicamide 1% drops on IOP and PD was similar. Mydriasis with tropicamide did not result in a clinically significant IOP increase in diabetics.