Metformin

[Floaters]

Studies show a 25% reduction in the onset of open angle glaucoma with this drug due to its IOP lowering effect.

Is anyone taking metformin for pre-diabetes? If so, has your IOP been lowered?

lifeextension.com/magazine/...

[Lovemy2woofs]

I’m diabetic and have been on Metformin years , not lowered my iop .

I have narrow angles , no glaucoma , had iridotomy last year.

But my iop has increased last couple of years and is top end 21/22 , last taken in Jan at opticians .

Prior to this as I asked optician mine were around the 16 / 17 mark.

[Floaters in reply to Lovemy2woofs]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am pre-diabetic and have been offered metformin but have declined. I thought if it would lower my IOP it would be worth taking.

[muddledme in reply to Floaters]

Hello Floaters,

Interesting to hear about Metformin and some of the research does sound positive.

I wonder if the fact of taking the drug to lower blood sugar may be aiding the eye pressures, and not just the effect of Metformin ?

It would be interesting to know if non diabetics responded so well, but I suppose this research may cause the blood sugar to drop too much, which could of course be dangerous. (Hypoglyceamia)

As most type 2 Diabetics on the correct diet and lifestyle can reduce their sugars and regain the optimum B.M.I even without Metformin, then I wonder if this method would also lower the pressures ?

Sadly Metformin can have many side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rarely decreased renal function.

Metformin eye drops may eventually be an alternative way forward with fewer systemic problems ??

Best wishes

[Floaters]

unfortunately, I tried that. I dieted and exercised and lost 37 pounds lowering my a1c from 6.5 to 5.8. But guess what? My IOP went up!!!

[muddledme in reply to Floaters]

At least with a lower Hbaic ( long term sugar levels recorded in the UK) you will lower your risk of many diseases including macula degeneration. So that is very positive.

I seem to remember that with initial weight loss it can upset and sometimes worsen eye problems for a month or two, but then usually the body will respond well.

Perhaps you could ask your medic and get your pressures rechecked to see if they do settle.

Many years ago I worked in a diabetic clinic and we always asked patients to wait about 3 months before getting new glasses after weight loss and diabetic diagnosis. Obviously your eye pressures may need attention sooner but I would hope the lowered sugars may still help your eyes .

Best wishes