THE ROLE OF SYSTEMIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN GLAUCOMA PROGRESSION

The present paper aims to highlight the role of arterial hypotension in the progression of glaucoma. The data analyzed in this study was collected in a prospective manner for a period of one year, from september 2013 to august 2014. It includes newly diagnosed glaucoma patients treated with prostaglandin analogues and who have presented within normal range values of intraocular pressure during the study. In spite of good control of intraocular pressure, there was recorded a progression of glaucoma lesions documented using the visual field . All patients were evaluated through 24 h outpatient holter monitoring of systemic blood pressure (BP) and were consequently divided into three groups: Group A--non-dipper (within normal range of both diurnal and nocturnal BP values and no significant drop during the night). Group B--dipper (patients with nocturnal hypotension recording BP drops of more the X mmHg). Group C--patients with arterial hypertension (defined as diurnal values of more than 150 mmHg for systolic BP and 110 mmHg for dyastolic BP). After through statistical analysis of the patients data, we noticed that the most important progression of glaucoma changes objectified by visual field and OCT examinations was recorded in group B, which illustrates the importance of careful monitoring and strict control of blood pressure in order to eliminate this risk factor in the progress of glaucoma.