[Long-term effect of topically applied isopropyl unoprostone on microcirculation in the choroid-retina].

PURPOSE

To study the long-term effect of topically applied 0.12% isopropyl unoprostone (unoprostone, Rescula) on microcirculation in the ocular fundus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a laser speckle tissue circulation analyzer, normalized blur (NB), a quantitative index of blood flow velocity and tissue blood flow, was measured in the optic nerve head (ONH) and choroid-retina before and 4.5 hours after an instillation of placebo into both eyes in 11 normal human volunteers. Intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, and pulse rate were also measured. A drop of unoprostone or the placebo was instilled into each eye in a double-blind manner twice a day for 21 days (the treated or untreated eye).

RESULTS

Twenty-one days later, NB values in the ONH and the choroid-retina increased significantly and the IOP decreased significantly only in the treated eyes. Ocular perfusion pressure showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the increase of the blood flow in the microcirculation in the human ocular fundus following the relatively long-term topical application of unoprostone may be due to reduction in vascular resistance.