Effect of glucosamine on intraocular pressure: a randomized clinical trial.

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate ocular hypertensive effect of exogenous glucosamine in comparison with placebo in patients with osteoarthritis.Patients and methodsIn this double-masked randomized clinical trial, 88 patients with osteoarthritis were included. Forty-four patients were randomized into either glucosamine sulfate or the placebo group.Comprehensive ophthalmologic exam including intraocular pressure (IOP) at baseline, month 1, and 3 was performed. Ocular response analyzer parameters were also checked at baseline and month 3.ResultsThe mean IOP at the time of presentation was 12.4±2.7 mm Hg in glucosamine and 13±2.8 mm Hg in the placebo group (P=0.329). At month 1 the corresponding values were 12.6±2.4 and 12.9±2.4 mm Hg (P=0.868), and at 3 months follow-up were 13.5±2.3 and 13±2.7 mm Hg (P=0.002), respectively. About 34.1% in treatment and 12.5% in the placebo group had clinically significant (defined as ≥ 2 mm Hg) rise in IOP at final follow-up (P=0.023). Mean age in those with significant rise in IOP was 66 vs 57.7 years in patients with <2 mm Hg (P=0.034). The ORA parameters remained unchanged in both the groups during the course of study.ConclusionGlucosamine supplement therapy causes statistically significant rise of IOP, which is more pronounced in elderly patients. Clinical implication of this finding needs further evaluation.