Objective: We assessed lowering of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) using a herbal formulation, Forskolin eye drops 1% w/v aqueous solution, in the treatment of open angle glaucoma.
Methods: A double blind, randomized, controlled, multi centred trial was chosen as study design to assess the decrease in intraocular pressure with Forskolin 1% w/v aqueous solution eye drops. Ninety patients of either sex, above 18 years of age, suffering from open angle glaucoma with an intra ocular pressure of more than 24 mm/Hg were enrolled in the study. Tonometric readings with no instillation were recorded on baseline visit; the patients were given medication enough to last for the entire study duration and were advised to instill 2 drops thrice a day. The patients were then called for visit 2, i.e. end of 1st week, visit 3-2nd week, visit 4-3rd week, and visit 5-4th week.
Conclusions: The trend towards a decrease in intraocular pressure was higher in the forskolin group for both the eyes as compared to the Timolol group and a reached statistical significance (p<0.05). Forskolin 1% w/v aqueous solution was found to be effective and safe in the treatment of open angle glaucoma. Results indicated Forskolin 1% w/v aqueous solution to be more effective than 0.5% Timolol eye drops and thus can be a good alternative treatment of choice in patients with open angle glaucoma.
[1]
Comparison of intraocular pressure measurement between rebound, non‐contact and Goldmann applanation tonometry in treated glaucoma patients
,
2012
.
[2]
C. Chiquet,et al.
Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Combination Therapies with Prostaglandin Analogues
,
2012,
Drugs.
[3]
G. Spaeth,et al.
Complementary and alternative medicine for glaucoma.
,
2001,
Survey of ophthalmology.
[4]
A. Alm,et al.
Prostaglandin Analogues in the Treatment of Glaucoma
,
1999,
Drugs & aging.
[5]
A. Stulting,et al.
The effects of forskolin eye drops on intra-ocular pressure.
,
1987,
South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde.
[6]
M. Sears,et al.
Aqueous flow in human eyes is reduced by forskolin, a potent adenylate cyclase activator.
,
1984,
Experimental eye research.
[7]
J. Caprioli,et al.
Forskolin lowers intraocular pressure by reducing aqueous inflow.
,
1984,
Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.
[8]
J. Caprioli,et al.
FORSKOLIN LOWERS INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN RABBITS, MONKEYS, AND MAN
,
1983,
The Lancet.
[9]
M. Araie,et al.
Acute effects of topical forskolin on aqueous humor dynamics in man.
,
1986,
Japanese journal of ophthalmology.