Metformin in Glaucoma Treatment

J Glaucoma. 2024 Jun 1;33(6):387-393. doi: 10.1097/IJG.0000000000002387. Epub 2024 Mar 28.

Abstract

Prcis: Rigorous trials are essential to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that fully exploit the therapeutic potential of metformin in the treatment of glaucoma.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potentially beneficial effect of metformin on glaucoma risk factors and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. The aim is to contribute to the development of new treatment strategies for glaucoma.

Methods: We searched for studies that assessed the effects of metformin on glaucoma risk factors and the associated underlying mechanisms. Our search included electronic databases such as PUBMED, EMBASE, and clinicaltrials.gov.

Results: Unfortunately, we did not find any clinical trials that specifically investigated the impact of metformin on glaucoma. However, data from experimental studies demonstrated the capability of metformin to modulate various pathways that could contribute to neuroprotection in glaucoma.

Conclusion: In order to develop comprehensive treatment strategies that fully exploit the therapeutic potential of metformin in the treatment of glaucoma, rigorous trials are essential. These studies are necessary to demonstrate both the safety and efficacy of metformin in the context of glaucoma treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Glaucoma* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Intraocular Pressure / drug effects
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Metformin* / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Metformin
  • Hypoglycemic Agents