Oculohypotensive effect of oral amlodipine in hypertensive individuals associated with increased intraocular pressure

Abstract

Objectives

To study the oculohypotensive effect of oral amlodipine in hypertensive individuals associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Method

This was a four weeks prospective study, done to assess oculohypotensive effect of oral amlodipine, in hypertensive patients with increased IOP. After obtaining written informed consent, a total of 32 (n = 32) newly diagnosed hypertensive patients (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg) of either gender, attending the outpatient department of medicine with increased IOP (≥21 mmHg) screened by Goldmann's applanation tonometer in ophthalmology department, were included in the study. They were prescribed tab. amlodipine 5–10 mg/day by the physician depending upon the severity of hypertension. Patients were followed up every week for four weeks to monitor BP control. IOP was repeated at the end of 4 weeks.

Results

The mean basal IOPs of these individuals were 22.3 ± 1.0 mmHg in left and 21.8 ± 2.2 mmHg in right eye. After four weeks of treatment with amlodipine, the mean IOP reduced to 19.3 ± 1.8 mmHg and 18.7 ± 2.0 mmHg in left and right eye respectively in addition to significant blood pressure (BP) reduction. Analysis of IOP and blood pressure changes before and after the treatment with amlodipine, were done by paired “t” test. “t” value was found to be 9.70 and 7.14 for left and right eye respectively with the ‘p’ value of <0.001. This shows the significant oculohypotensive effect of oral amlodipine in hypertensive patients with increased IOP.

Conclusion

The present study has shown that, oral amlodipine, not only reduces BP but also acts as oculohypotensive agent in hypertensive patients with increased IOP.