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Statins may help improve ocular circulation
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Statins, already proven to relax blood vessels and reduce cardiovascular disease risks, may be able to improve circulation in the eye as well, according to a study.
Taiji Nagaoka, MD, PhD, and colleagues at Asahikawa Medical College in Japan studied the effects of systemic administration of simvastatin on the retinal circulation after 90 minutes and after 7 days in 12 healthy men. The men were randomized to either 20 mg dose of simvastatin or placebo. The study was repeated 28 days after the first administration course was finished.
There were no significant changes in any retinal circulatory parameters at the 90-minute follow-up. Daily administration of simvastatin for 7 days significantly increased blood velocity and blood flow in retinal arteries and veins but did not significantly change vessel diameter. The IOP significantly decreased at 90 minutes and at 7 days after the simvastatin administration, researchers stated.
The study is published in the May issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.