Related Experiment Videos
Open-angle glaucoma and systemic hypertension: the blue mountains eye study
Paul Mitchell1, Anne J Lee, Elena Rochtchina
1Department of Ophthalmology, the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. paul_mitchell@wmi.usyd.edu.au
Journal of Glaucoma
|July 1, 2004
Summary
Systemic hypertension is linked to an increased risk of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in older adults, especially when poorly controlled. This association persists independently of blood pressure
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Systemic hypertension is a prevalent condition in older populations.
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- The relationship between hypertension and OAG requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if systemic hypertension is associated with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in an elderly cohort.
- To explore the impact of hypertension control on OAG risk.
- To assess the association between hypertension and ocular hypertension (OH).
Main Methods:
- The Blue Mountains Eye Study included 3654 participants aged 49-97 years.
- Hypertension was defined by medical history or specific blood pressure thresholds.
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and ocular hypertension (OH) were diagnosed based on optic disc and visual field assessments, and intraocular pressure (IOP) levels, respectively.
Main Results:
- Hypertension was present in 45.7% of subjects; OAG in 3.0% and OH in 5.2%.
- Hypertension showed a significant association with OAG (OR 1.56), particularly with poorly controlled hypertension (OR 1.88), independent of IOP.
- Hypertension was also associated with OH (OR 1.81-1.96).
Conclusions:
- Systemic hypertension, especially when poorly controlled, presents a modest increased risk for OAG, independent of IOP.
- The findings suggest hypertension management may be crucial for OAG prevention.
- Hypertension is also linked to ocular hypertension, potentially due to blood pressure's effect on IOP.