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Multiple Systemic Vascular Risk Factors Are Associated With Low-Tension Glaucoma
Robert O Funk1, David O Hodge2, Darrell Kohli1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Journal of Glaucoma
|November 3, 2021
Summary
Systemic vascular conditions like hypertension and diabetes are linked to low-tension glaucoma. This study identifies key risk factors, supporting the vascular hypothesis for this eye condition.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Medicine
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Low-tension glaucoma (LTG) is a form of glaucoma where optic nerve damage occurs despite normal intraocular pressure.
- The role of systemic vascular factors in LTG pathogenesis is increasingly recognized.
- Identifying systemic risk factors can aid in understanding LTG and developing preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify systemic risk factors associated with low-tension glaucoma.
- To investigate the association between various vascular-associated conditions and LTG.
- To provide evidence supporting the vascular hypothesis of LTG.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study design.
- Inclusion of 277 LTG patients and 277 age- and sex-matched controls from Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology (2005-2015).
- Statistical analysis to compare prevalence of systemic conditions and medication use between groups.
Main Results:
- LTG patients exhibited more myopia, lower intraocular pressure, and higher cup-to-disc ratios.
- Significantly higher prevalence of systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, migraine headache, anemia, systemic hypotension, and Raynaud syndrome in LTG group.
- Calcium channel blocker use was also significantly associated with LTG, even after adjusting for hypertension.
Conclusions:
- Multiple vascular-associated conditions are significantly linked to low-tension glaucoma.
- Findings strengthen the evidence for the vascular hypothesis in the development of LTG.
- Systemic vascular health may play a critical role in LTG pathogenesis.
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