Abstract
Purpose :
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin B1 have the proven therapeutic effect in the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Our previous studies showed the beneficial effect of orally used alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and rutoside on retinal sensitivity, contrast and colour test results in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy.
The aim of this study was to exam the effect of oral treatment of alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and rutoside on morphological and fuctional retinal parameters in patients with early stages of diabetic retinopathy.
Methods :
The study was performed on 25 patients (17 women and 8 men) with diabetic retinopathy in grade R1 (microaneurysms, flame exudates, >4 blot haemorrhages in one or both hemifields, and/or cotton wool spots) or R2 (>4 blot haemorrhages in one hemifield). The average age of patients was 64,1 years and the duration of diabetes 12,7 years. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmoscopy, retinal OCT, intraocular pressure and visual field examination were performed before and after 3 and 6 months of oral treatment of alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and rutoside.
Results :
The significant increase of visual acuity and decrease of the retinal thickness were observed after 3 and 6 months of the treatment.
The BCVA value at the qualifying visit was 0.8 ± 0.2. At subsequent visits under supplementation after 3 months (0.9 ± 0.1) and 6 months 0.9 ± 0.1), a statistically significant (p <0.001) improvement in BCVA was observed. The mean value of retinal thickness in the center was before supplementation 225µm±49µm and after 3 months 214µm± 21µm and after 6 months 210µm±18µm statistically significant (p<0.001).
There were no significant changes in visual field parameters and intraocular pressure during 6 months of the observation.
Conclusions :
Alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and rutoside have a positive effect on morphological and functional retinal parameters in patients with grade 1 and 2 diabetic retinopathy. Those substances can be considered as a prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.