The Effects of an Antioxidant Formulation on Ocular Blood Flow

The Effects of an Antioxidant Formulation on Intraocular Pressure, Ocular Perfusion Pressure, Retrobulbar, Retinal Capillary and Choroidal Blood Flow

The objective is to evaluate the effects of an antioxidant formula versus placebo on ocular blood flow in a randomized double-blind, crossover design.

Based upon preliminary data, it is hypothesized that a dietary supplement containing a variety of ingredients with antioxidant properties will, compared to placebo, increase ocular perfusion pressure, retrobulbar, retinal capillary and choroidal blood flow, and maintain these effects over the course of the treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 30 years or older.
• Confirmed diagnosis of open angle glaucoma by glaucoma specialist in the study eye, as evidenced from criteria representative of glaucomatous optic nerve damage such as specific optic disc or retinal nerve fiber layer structural abnormalities and/or visual field abnormalities.
• Best corrected visual acuity at 20/60 or better in study eye.
• Willingness to avoid caffeine and smoking for 12 hours before and during the study visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of acute angle-closure or a narrow, occluding of anterior chamber angle by gonioscopy.
• History of chronic or recurrent inflammatory eye diseases or signs of intraocular trauma and/or unreliable applanation tonometry.
• Severe, unstable or uncontrolled cardiovascular, renal or pulmonary disease
• History of/or current renal or hepatic impairment.
• History of/or current bronchial asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sinus bradycardia, second or third degree atrioventricular block, or cardiogenic shock.
• Recent surgery or surgery planned near study timeline
• History of bleeding disorder
• Use of blood thinning medications
• Use of specified dietary supplements for three weeks prior to study entry and throughout study period.