Effect of nimothpine on ocular blood How and colour in patients with normal tension glaucoma.

Aim: To investigate the effects of oral nimodipine on ocular haemodynamic parameters and colour contrast sensitivity in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Design: The study was performed in a randomised, placebo controlled, double masked, crossover design. Participants: Nimodipine (60 mg) or placebo was administered to 14 consecutive NTG patients. Methods: The effects or oral nimodipine or placebo on ocular and systemic hoemodynamic parameters and colour contrast sensitivity along the titan axis were studied two hours after administration. Optic nerve head blood flow (ONHBF) and choroidal blood flow (CHBF) were assessed with laser Doppler flowmetry. Ocular fundus pulsation amplitude (WA) was measured with laser interferometry. Colour contrast sensitivity (CCS) was determined along the triton colour axis. Mali outcome measures: ONHBF, CHBF, FPA, intraocular pressure and CCS were assessed in patients wilts NTG. Results: Mean ocular FPA increased by 14% (SD 14%) (p=0.0008), ONHBF by 18% (SD 16%) (p=0.0031), and CHBF by 12% (SD 14%) (p<0.001) after administration of nimodipine. Nimodipine also decreased the threshold of colour contrast sensitivity along the triton colour axis (-14% (SD 12%); p =0.048). However, individual changes in FPA, ONHBF, or CHBF were not correlated with changes in threshold of CCS along the triton colour axis. Conclusions: The results indicate that nimodipine increases ONH and choroidal blood flow in NTG patients and improves CCS. The latter effect does not, however, seem to be a direct consequence of the blood Row improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]