Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate Sildenafil effects on retinal sensitivity and fixation, in patients affected by diabetes mellitus I
Methods: :
We selected 72 patients (71 eyes) affected by diabetes mellitus I; all subjects underwent to a complete ophthalmologic visit cohmprensive of Visual Acuity measurement, evaluation of anterior and posterior segment, microperimetry by MP-1, and fixation stability evaluation. Subject with cataract and corneal diseases were excluded. Group 1 (36 patients - 33 eyes) were treated with placebo; to group 2 (36 patients - 33 eyes) were administered Sildenafil 200 mg/die, two groups results after three months therapy, were compared and statistically analyzed with T Student test.
Results: :
Group1 mean retinal sensitivity measured by microperimeter MP1 was: at T0 = 16,65dB; T1=14,82dB ; Group 2 mean retinal sensitivity was T0=16,86dB ; T1=17,63 dB. T-Student Test resulted p=0,0001
Conclusions: :
Our results demonstrate the improving of retinal sensitivity and fixation stability after 3 months of Sildenafil treatment. Patients treated with placebo showed a reduction of retinal sensitivity according to diabetic endothelial damage.We can affirm that sildenafil induces intrinsic changes in the choroidal vasculature, with a positive impact on pericentral retinal sensitivity. This effect may be of clinical utility.
Keywords: diabetes • retina • perimetry