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.