Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Normal Tension Glaucoma

The goal of this clinical trial is to test Buyang Huanwu Decoction in normal intra-ocular pressure glaucoma. The main question to answer is: the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction and its safety in patients with normal intra-ocular pressure glaucoma. Participants will take 3 grams of Buyang Huanwu Decoction or placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers will compare treatment group and placebo group to see if the visual acuity, visual field would be improved.

There is currently no active and effective treatment for normal intra-ocular pressure glaucoma, and glaucoma patients often affect the optic nerve and cause visual acuity and visual field damage. Studies have found that glaucoma patients have less blood flow to the optic nerve, retina and choroid than normal people. Buyang Huanwu Decoction has the functions of invigorating qi, promoting blood circulation and dredging collaterals, and is often used in the treatment of stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on visual acuity, visual field and its safety in patients with normal intra-ocular pressure glaucoma. This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial. A total of 60 subjects with normal intra-ocular pressure glaucoma were randomly divided into: 1) treatment group (30 subjects), oral administration of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (3 grams), two times in a day after breakfast and dinner, for 12 consecutive weeks; 2) control group (30 subjects), the same method as the treatment group, but taking Buyang Huanwu Decoction placebo (90% starch and 10% Buyang Huanwu Decoction). Primary outcome was changes in visual acuity, visual field, and optic nerve fiber layer, and secondary outcome was changes in quality of life scale scores.