Study Reveals Treatment Patterns of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution

A wide range of healthcare professionals prescribe brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution (BTOS) to their patients for the treatment of ocular redness, according to a recent study presented at the 2025 American Optometric Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN.1

Ocular redness is a common side effect of a variety of ocular conditions, including dry eye disease, uveitis, and glaucoma. Additionally, it can often be a product of simple irritation. Given their long list of causes, ocular redness is extremely widespread.2

Low-dose BTOS, usually .025%, is indicated for the relief of ocular redness due to minor irritations. Although it is accessible over the counter in the US, physicians may also choose to prescribe the medication directly.1

This study, presented by Jessilin Quint, OD, Smart Eye Care, on behalf of the investigators, examined IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Claims, Medical Claims, and Market Access Library data to analyze the demographics, baseline characteristics, treatment costs, and treatment patterns of patients using BTOS. Investigators collected data on 8611 patients from 2020 to 2023.1

The majority of included patients were aged 18-74, and the final total included 58% female participants. Insurance and payer types were 51.8% cash, with the remainder paying commercially through Medicaid, Medicare, or by an unknown method.1

Most prescriptions came from ophthalmologists (54.6%) and optometrists (39.5%). However, investigators also indicated a broad range of health professionals also prescribe BTOS, including family medicine doctors, nurse practitioners, anesthetists, and physician assistants.1

Of the ophthalmic conditions recorded for the study, those affecting ≥30% of patients included the following:

• Disorders of the eyelid, lacrimal system, and orbit (44.1%)
• Disorder of lens (40.3%)
• Disorders of the conjunctiva (36.5%)
• Glaucoma (35.9%)
• Disorders of ocular muscles, binocular movement, accommodation, and refraction (33.2%)

A total of 6095 patients were also taking concomitant medications, with 38.7% prescribed ophthalmic corticosteroids and 35.2% artificial tears. Additional concomitants included anti-allergy medications, anti-infectives, and anti-inflammatories.1

The investigators’ analysis of reporting intervals indicated an average of 1.97 claims per patient, with an average of 74 days between fills. Time on therapy averaged 51 days, but a small proportion of patients (7%) continued therapy for >271 days. Patients also averaged 30 persistent days.1

Investigators concluded from this data that a significant range of healthcare providers choose to prescribe BTOS to their patients, with comorbidities and concomitant medications suggesting ocular redness is often a secondary complaint. The majority of patients only used BTOS in the short term; however, investigators interpreted these data to underestimate actual use, given their inability to capture the potential switch to over-the-counter BTOS by patients.1

References

1. Quint J. Analysis of real-world prescribing patterns of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.025%. Abstract presented at the 2025 American Optometric Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN, June 25-28, 2025.

2. Singh RB, Liu L, Anchouche S, et al. Ocular redness - I: Etiology, pathogenesis, and assessment of conjunctival hyperemia. Ocul Surf. 2021;21:134-144. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2021.05.003