Retinalamin in the Treatment of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Astakhov Y.S., Butina T.A., Morozova N.V.
Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University
Vestnik Oftalmologii 127(2): 17-21
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, characterized by optic nerve damage. This study assessed the efficacy of Retinalamin (retinal peptide complex) as a neuroprotective agent in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). 96 patients (168 eyes) with stage I-III POAG and normalized intraocular pressure (IOP) were treated. Patients received Retinalamin (5mg IM or parabulbar daily for 10 days) or placebo. Visual fields, visual acuity, and electrophysiological parameters were monitored. The Retinalamin group showed significant expansion of visual fields and improvement in contrast sensitivity. Electrophysiological studies revealed improved conductivity of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cell function. The neuroprotective effect persisted for 3-6 months. The study confirms that Retinalamin improves visual function and stabilizes the glaucomatous process.
Study Population
Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), stages I-III, normalized IOP
Context
In glaucoma, even when eye pressure is lowered, the optic nerve can continue to degenerate. "Neuroprotection" - protecting the nerve cells directly - is the holy grail of glaucoma therapy.
Study Design
Patients with open-angle glaucoma and controlled pressure received Retinalamin to see if it could protect the retina and optic nerve better than standard care alone.
Results
Visual Fields
Loss of peripheral vision is the hallmark of glaucoma. Retinalamin treatment led to a significant expansion of visual fields (reversal of some loss) in treated patients, whereas controls remained stable or worsened.
Optic Nerve Function
Electrophysiological tests (VEP) showed that signals traveled faster and stronger from the eye to the brain, indicating improved health of the optic nerve fibers.
Contrast Sensitivity
Patients reported better ability to distinguish objects in low contrast (like driving at night or reading grey text), a key quality of life metric.
Mechanism
Retinalamin provides a mix of neurotrophic factors and regulatory peptides that support the survival of Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) - the specific cells that die in glaucoma - and improve their metabolic resilience.
Significance
Retinalamin offers a validated neuroprotective strategy for glaucoma, complementing pressure-lowering drops to preserve vision.
Statistical Results
Visual field expansion: +15% in Retinalamin group vs. +2% in controls (p<0.01). Contrast sensitivity: Improved by 25% vs. 5% (p<0.01). Electrophysiological improvement (VEP latency): Reduced by 12% (p<0.05).
Study Limitations
- •Single-center study
- •Short treatment course
- •Need for repeated courses for sustained effect
Adverse Events
- •Mild local irritation (parabulbar injection)
- •No systemic adverse events
- •No IOP elevation
Key Findings
- ✓Expansion of visual fields
- ✓Improved optic nerve conductivity
- ✓Enhanced contrast sensitivity
- ✓Neuroprotective effect
Mechanism of Action
Neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells, improvement of axoplasmic transport, and regulation of retinal metabolism.