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Is Multiple Sclerosis Associated With a Lower Intraocular Pressure?
Norah S Lincoff1, Andrea Buccilli, Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
1Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology (NSL), State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine, Buffalo, New York; Jacobs MS Center (NSL, BW-G, SG), UBMD Neurology, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York; Ophthalmology Clinic (AB), Lockport, New York; and Ross Eye Institute (SS), University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York.
Objective:
To determine if multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with lower intraocular pressure (IOP) compared with individuals without MS.
Methods:
Thirty patients with clinically definite MS were identified and a retrospective chart review was conducted. Each patient with MS underwent IOP recording by a single investigator using kinetic applanation tonometry. Measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT) also was obtained. Similarly, 30 study controls were identified and kinetic applanation tonometry and CCT were recorded. Univariate analysis of covariance was conducted to determine a statistically significant difference between IOP between MS and control groups, controlling for age.
Results:
Analyses were adjusted for age and 2 subjects were excluded because of steroid use. The average IOP in MS group was 12.3 mm Hg (right eye = 12.3 mm Hg, left eye = 12.2 mm Hg) and in the control group was 17 mm Hg (right eye = 16.9 mm Hg, left eye = 17 mm Hg). There was a significant effect of presence of MS on IOP accounting for 53% variability in mean IOP (F(1,55) = 60.7; P < 0.001) when compared with the control group.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrated that IOP was significantly lower in patients with MS compared with controls. A more in-depth prospective study design is required, along with further investigation of possible etiologies. Identifying the mechanism of decreased IOP in patients with MS might allow development of new-targeted therapies for the treatment of glaucoma.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is linked to significantly lower intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to individuals without MS. This finding may offer new therapeutic targets for glaucoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a key factor in glaucoma pathogenesis.
- The relationship between MS and IOP requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and intraocular pressure (IOP).
- To compare IOP levels in patients with MS versus a control group without MS.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 30 patients with clinically definite MS.
- IOP and central corneal thickness (CCT) measured using kinetic applanation tonometry.
- Comparison with 30 age-matched controls, with IOP and CCT recorded.
Main Results:
- The average IOP in the MS group was 12.3 mm Hg, significantly lower than the control group's 17 mm Hg.
- The presence of MS accounted for 53% of the variability in mean IOP.
- Analyses were adjusted for age, with 2 subjects excluded due to steroid use.
Conclusions:
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) is significantly lower in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to controls.
- Further prospective studies are needed to explore potential etiologies.
- Understanding the mechanism of decreased IOP in MS could lead to novel glaucoma therapies.
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