Aims: To investigate whether nifedipine affects ocular perfusion or visual fields in open angle glaucoma patients.
Methods: In a parallel group study nifedipine or placebo was administered for 3 months (n = 30). Ocular fundus pulsation amplitude (FPA), cup blood flow (Flowcup) and visual field mean deviation (MD) were measured.
Results: Five patients receiving nifedipine discontinued due to adverse events. Nifedipine did not affect FPA [difference: 0.3 microm (95% CI -0.3,0.9); P = 0.70], Flowcup: [difference: -9 rel.units (95% CI -133,114); P = 0.99], or MD [difference: 0.2dB (95% CI -2.2,2.7); P = 0.51] vs placebo.
Conclusions: Systemic nifedipine is not well tolerated in glaucoma patients and exerts no effect on visual fields or ocular perfusion.