A comparative analysis of the association among perfusion pressure, glaucoma and systemic hypertension in Indian adults

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a progressive disorder and can be treated only if it is diagnosed before it progresses to the irreversible state This is possible if healthcare practitioners know the comorbidity that leads to glaucoma and takes appropriate measures to prevent the development of glaucoma.

Aim: This study aims to determine the association of systemic hypertension and the mean ocular perfusion pressure with the occurrence glaucoma. Also, the correlation of the risk factor (antihypertensive drug) associated with the occurrence of glaucoma is determined.

Method: This was a comparative study carried out at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College in Pune, Maharashtra, India over a period of a year. Participants were divided into two groups. Group A had hypertensive patients, and the Group B participants had normotensive volunteers which was control. Their intraocular pressure and parameters related to glaucoma, such as field defects and retinal film were determined. Parameters related to hypertension were determined. The correlation of the parameters was determined statistically.

Results: The average intraocular pressure in groups A and B was 15.39 mm of Hg and 13.43mm of Hg respectively. It was found that the patient had 1.5 times more chances of becoming a suspect of glaucoma and twice the chances of having primary open-angle glaucoma if they were on antihypertensive medication. It was found that 0.55 units of increase in intraocular pressure and similarly, 0.96 units of increase in intraocular pressure with each 10-unit rise in the systolic and diastolic pressure respectively.

Conclusion: From the study, it can be demonstrated that the use of antihypertensive drugs can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, which can be due to a nocturnal drop in blood pressure after taking anti-hypertensive drugs. A reduced MOPP also indicated the occurrence of glaucoma.