Color Doppler ultrasound analysis of ocular circulation after topical calcium channel blocker.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of topical administration of the calcium channel blocker verapamil on intraocular pressure and retrobulbar hemodynamics.

METHODS

In this randomized, prospective, double-masked study, we examined the effects of single-dose topical administration of verapamil in ten normal human volunteers by using color Doppler ultrasound imaging to measure hemodynamic parameters. Limitations of this study include single-dose application of verapamil and relatively small sample size.

RESULTS

No systemic effect on heart rate or blood pressure was detected after administration of topical verapamil. The intraocular pressure significantly decreased compared with baseline two hours after topical 0.125% and 0.25% verapamil (P = .015 and .040, respectively). Pourcelot's ratio, an index of vascular resistance, measured in the central retinal artery was significantly reduced after topical application of 0.125% verapamil (P = .008). The change in Pourcelot's ratio primarily resulted from an increased end diastolic velocity in the central retinal artery. No significant differences compared with baseline values were detected in the color Doppler ultrasound measurements of the posterior ciliary arteries and the central retinal vein two hours after topically administered verapamil.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical administration of verapamil decreases intraocular pressure and alters ocular hemodynamics, reducing the vascular resistance index in the central retinal artery.