PubMed ID: 15734013
Author(s): Wong TY, Knudtson MD, Klein BE, Klein R, Hubbard LD. Medication use and retinal vessel diameters. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Feb;139(2):373-5. PMID 15734013
Journal: American Journal Of Ophthalmology, Volume 139, Issue 2, Feb 2005
PURPOSE To study the influence of different medications on retinal vessel diameters.
DESIGN Cross-sectional study.
METHODS Retinal photographs in the Beaver Dam Eye Study (n = 4926, aged 43 to 84 years) were digitized, and the diameters of retinal vessels were measured. Participants’ current medications were recorded at the examination.
RESULTS There were few significant associations between medication use and retinal vessel diameters. After adjusting for age, blood pressure, and other factors, participants who were using topical beta-blocker eyedrops had narrower retinal arteriolar (P = .05) and venular (P = .006) diameters than nonusers. Systemic beta-blocker was not associated with retinal vessel diameter size.
CONCLUSION We found few associations between current medication use and retinal vessel diameter. Retinal vessels were narrowed in those taking antiglaucoma medications, most strikingly in those prescribed topical beta-blockers, although such a relationship could not be established among those using systemic beta-blockers.