The effects of raloxifene hydrochloride on ocular hemodynamics and visual function

Objective To assess the comprehensive effects of raloxifene hydrochloride on retinal, choroidal and retrobulbar hemodynamics and on visual function in post-menopausal women. Design Twenty-four post-menopausal women (age 55 ± 3.8 years) were recruited for this cross-sectional study: 12 received placebo and 12 received raloxifene hydrochloride 60 mg once a day for 3 months. Baseline measurements of both groups included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and intraocular pressure (IOP) for both eyes. A comprehensive ocular blood flow (OBF) assessment was obtained for each patient in a randomly chosen study eye. Retinal blood flow data was obtained using confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry [Heidelberg Retinal Flowmeter (HRF)]. Color Doppler imaging (CDI) was used to assess retrobulbar hemodynamics in the ophthalmic, central retinal, short nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries. Baseline vision and hemodynamics in post-menopausal subjects were compared using paired Student’s t tests, and the percentage change in baseline versus 3-month parameters was analyzed. Results There were no statistically significant differences between 3 months of raloxifene therapy and placebo in terms of age, HR, arterial or mean BP, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, IOP or retinal or retrobulbar blood flow. Conclusion Raloxifene therapy at 60 mg/day had no clinically significant impact on BP, IOP or OBF in post-menopausal women.