Priminary observations of the effects of ACE inhibitor ramipril in patients with Stargardt's disease

Purpose to assess the effect of Ramipril 2% eyedrops on visual function in patients with Stargardt’s disease. Methods We conducted a prospective, interventional, open label pilot study. 12 eyes of 6 consecutive patients in whom Stargardt’s disease had been diagnosed were treated with Ramipril 2%, one drop three times a day in both eyes. Four follow‐up visits were performed over 3 months. Retinal imaging workup was performed at baseline to confirm diagnosis. During follow up, best corrected visual acuity, fundus examination, static perimetry and electroretinogram were performed to assess safety and efficacy. Results Treatment was well‐tolerated in all cases. Mean BCVA improved from 40 +/‐ 20 letters to 51 +/‐ 17. Mean sensitivity improved from 20.6 +/‐ 3.2 dB to 22.5 +/‐ 3.7dB. Conclusion Ramipril demonstrated a good local and systemic safety profile as well as efficiency in terms of BCVA improvement and retinal sensitivity in patients with Stargardt’s disease. These results encourage us to further describe the effects of Ramipril used as a NO‐donating and antioxidative drug in ophthalmology.Commercial interest