[Visual field in patients with arterial hypertension]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Cardiology

Context:

• Arterial hypertension is a prevalent condition affecting multiple organ systems.
• Early detection of end-organ damage in hypertension is crucial for timely intervention.
• Visual field changes can be an indicator of neurological or vascular damage.

Purpose:

• To investigate quantitative changes in visual fields of patients with arterial hypertension using standard white-on-white perimetry.
• To compare visual field parameters between hypertensive patients and a healthy control group.
• To assess the sensitivity of standard perimetry in detecting early hypertensive damage to the visual pathway.

Summary:

• Sixty-two patients with arterial hypertension were divided into three groups based on blood pressure levels and compared to a control group.
• Standard ophthalmological examinations and quantitative visual field analysis using Octopus 1-2-3 perimeter were performed.
• Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in visual field parameters (MD, MS, LV, PSD) between hypertensive patients and the control group, or among the hypertensive subgroups.

Impact:

• Standard achromatic automated perimetry, which assesses the parvocellular system, is not sensitive enough to detect early visual field disturbances in arterial hypertension.
• These findings suggest that alternative perimetric methods, such as Frequency Doubling Perimetry, may be more effective in identifying early magnocellular system damage associated with hypertension.
• Further research is warranted to establish the diagnostic value of advanced perimetric techniques in managing hypertensive patients.