Relationship between normal tension glaucoma and Flammer syndrome

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Vascular factors, including Flammer syndrome, are implicated in glaucomatous optic neuropathy alongside intraocular pressure.
• Flammer syndrome is a condition characterized by specific vascular and autonomic symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Flammer syndrome and normal tension glaucoma in a Korean population.
• To determine if signs and symptoms of Flammer syndrome are more frequent in normal tension glaucoma patients compared to controls.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire assessing 15 signs and symptoms of Flammer syndrome was administered.
• The study included 246 normal tension glaucoma patients and 1116 control subjects.

Main Results:

• Seven Flammer syndrome signs/symptoms were significantly more common in normal tension glaucoma patients.
• These included increased drug sensitivity, good smell perception, reversible skin blotches, tinnitus, long sleep onset, perfectionism, and cold extremities.
• Additional symptoms like migraines and dizziness showed a trend towards higher prevalence in glaucoma patients.

Conclusions:

• An association exists between normal tension glaucoma and Flammer syndrome.
• Further research is needed to confirm this relationship.
• Management of Flammer syndrome may offer a novel approach for preventing or slowing normal tension glaucoma progression.