ActivePhase 2ACTRN12612001134819

The effect of glucose on contrast sensitivity in human glaucoma.

The effect of glucose on contrast sensitivity in human glaucoma: A prospective, randomised, double-masked pilot study.

Sponsor

Royal Adelaide Hospital

Enrollment

16 participants

Start Date

Jul 2, 2012

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Glaucoma

Summary

The purpose of this study is to improve visual outcomes for patients who suffer with glaucoma. This outcome is known as contrast sensitivity. Glaucoma: is a disease in which the optic nerve is damaged, leading to progressive, irreversible loss of vision. It is often, but not always, associated with increased pressure of the fluid in the eye. The purpose of this study is to establish a proof of a principle known as neuroprotection. Neuroprotection: refers to the ability to directly promote survival of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the nerve that transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. Contrast sensitivity: is the ability to differentiate between light and dark (contrast).

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 50 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria9

Group A
Age 50 years or older
Pseudophakic,
moderate to severe glaucoma (MD < -6)
Visual acuity logMAR < 1.0
Group B
Age 50 years or older
Pseudophakic
Visual acuity logMAR < 1.0

Exclusion Criteria5

Group A
History of diabetes mellitus
Group B
History of diabetes mellitus
Glaucoma

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Interventions

Treatment: The study eye will receive a drop of sterile 50% glucose (10 Microlitres) every 5 minutes for one hour. Pain and discomfort will be assessed through out the period of treatment. It will be

Treatment: The study eye will receive a drop of sterile 50% glucose (10 Microlitres) every 5 minutes for one hour. Pain and discomfort will be assessed through out the period of treatment. It will be assessed on a pain scale of 1 to 10. 1 being nil pain and 10 being the worst pain. This will be documented in the patient's case notes. Sham control: on another visit separated by at least one week, the same patients will receive a saline drop in the same manner, and undergo the same tests. (The optic disc photo is important to record the subtype of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in case there is a clear pattern, but does not need repeating.)