SYSTEMIC SIMVASTATIN & RETINAL BLOOD FLOW

Arch Ophthalmol -- Abstract: Effect of Systemic Administration of Simvastatin on Retinal Circulation, May 2006, Nagaoka et al. 124 (5): 665 This is a very interesting study that may have implications for RVO, RAO, and glaucoma. The study was done to investigate the effect of systemic administration of simvastatin on the retinal circulation. It may have implications for vein and retinal occlusions and glaucoma. It states:

"The effects of systemic administration of simvastatin on the retinal circulation after 90 minutes and after 7 days were studied in a placebo-controlled, double-masked, clinical trial among 12 healthy men.

"There were no significant changes in any retinal circulatory parameters at 90 minutes after administration of simvastatin. Daily administration of simvastatin for 7 days significantly increased blood velocity and blood flow in retinal arteries and veins but did not significantly change vessel diameter. The intraocular pressure significantly decreased at 90 minutes and at 7 days after administration of simvastatin.

Conclusion: Simvastatin induced an increase in blood velocity and blood flow in retinal arteries and veins, and decreased the intraocular pressure, probably through the increase in nitric oxide."

I'd like to see more studies done on this.