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Autonomic neuropathy in ocular hypertension
Lancet (London, England)
|July 27, 1985
Summary
Systemic parasympathetic neuropathy is common in ocular hypertension patients, affecting over 40%. This suggests high intraocular pressure may indicate broader systemic issues, not just eye problems.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Ocular hypertension is often considered an isolated ocular condition.
- The potential link between ocular hypertension and systemic autonomic function is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of systemic parasympathetic neuropathy in patients with ocular hypertension.
- To explore the relationship between ocular hypertension subtypes and parasympathetic dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Cardiovascular autonomic function tests were administered to 189 patients with ocular hypertension and 76 controls.
- Patients were categorized based on angle-width in their hypertension.
Main Results:
- Systemic parasympathetic neuropathy was diagnosed in 41.8% of ocular hypertension patients versus 2.6% of controls.
- Parasympathetic neuropathy was more prevalent in narrow-angle hypertension compared to wide-angle hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Ocular hypertension is frequently associated with systemic parasympathetic neuropathy.
- Elevated intraocular pressure may serve as a marker for underlying systemic disease.