Association between systemic oxidative stress and visual field damage in open-angle glaucoma.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Oxidative Stress Biology

Background:

• Oxidative stress and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation are implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis.
• Previous research linked lower systemic antioxidative capacity to elevated IOP in open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between systemic prooxidant/antioxidant levels and visual field sensitivity (mean deviation, MD) in glaucoma patients.
• To analyze blood biochemistry in 202 glaucoma patients to understand the role of redox status in visual field damage.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of lipid peroxides (diacron reactive oxygen metabolite, dROM), ferric-reducing activity (biological antioxidant potential, BAP), and thiol antioxidant activity (SH) were measured.
• Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed, adjusting for seven demographic parameters.
• Correlation between MD and systemic redox markers (dROM, BAP, SH) was assessed.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between mean deviation (MD) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) (R=0.005, P=0.0442).
• No significant associations were observed between MD and diacron reactive oxygen metabolite (dROM) or sulfhydryl (SH) tests.
• Increased use of antiglaucoma medication and primary OAG were associated with worse visual field damage.

Conclusions:

• Lower systemic antioxidant capacity, indicated by reduced ferric-reducing activity (BAP), is associated with more severe visual field damage in OAG.
• These findings suggest a role for systemic redox status in glaucoma progression and IOP elevation.
• Further research into antioxidant therapies for glaucoma may be warranted.