Twenty-four-hour ocular perfusion pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) are critical factors in glaucoma pathogenesis.
• Understanding diurnal variations in IOP, BP, and perfusion pressure (PP) is essential for managing POAG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the 24-hour diurnal variations of intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure (BP), and perfusion pressure (PP) between patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and healthy controls.
• To investigate potential differences in hemodynamic parameters that may contribute to glaucoma progression.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 29 POAG patients and 24 healthy individuals.
• Hourly measurements of IOP and BP were conducted over a 24-hour period (08:00 to 06:00).
• IOP was measured using Goldmann and Perkins tonometers; BP was measured with an automated device.

Main Results:

• POAG patients demonstrated significantly higher mean IOP at all measured time points (p<0.001).
• POAG patients showed higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) during morning hours and specific afternoon/evening times.
• Significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and perfusion pressures (SPP and DPP) were observed between groups at various diurnal intervals.

Conclusions:

• POAG patients exhibit elevated IOP throughout the day and higher systolic perfusion pressure in the morning.
• Notably, POAG patients experience reduced diastolic perfusion pressure during nighttime hours.
• These diurnal pressure variations may have implications for glaucoma management and risk stratification.