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The Hettinger hand vibration test, vasospasm, and glaucoma.
1Department of Ophthalmology, and Sydney Eye Hospitals and Save Sight Institute, Sydney University, NSW, Australia.
Survey of Ophthalmology
|July 23, 1999
Summary
Nonselective topical beta-blockers may worsen vasospastic tendency in glaucoma patients, while systemic beta1-selective blockers might offer protection. This research identifies subgroups with high vasospastic tendencies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ocular vasospasm can lead to optic nerve ischemia.
- Identifying patients with high systemic vasospastic tendencies is crucial for managing glaucoma and related conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between glaucoma, vasospastic tendency, and the use of beta-blockers.
- To identify subgroups of patients with high systemic vasospastic tendencies using the Hettinger hand vibration test.
Main Methods:
- The Hettinger hand vibration test was administered to 580 subjects, including controls and various glaucoma patient groups.
- Multivariate analysis was employed to assess the association between beta-blocker use and Hettinger scores (HS).
Main Results:
- The frequency distribution of Hettinger scores (HS) was bimodal, indicating two distinct patient groups.
- Nonselective topical beta-blockers (timolol) were associated with higher mean HS and a greater proportion of subjects with high HS (≥1.5).
- Systemic beta1-selective blockers were linked to lower mean HS, but did not significantly affect the proportion of patients with high HS.
Conclusions:
- Topical nonselective beta-blockers may negatively impact vasospastic tendency.
- Systemic beta1-selective blockers might provide partial protection against vasospasm.
- The findings suggest differential effects of beta-blocker types on ocular vasospasm relevant to glaucoma management.