Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity (ePWV) in Different Glaucoma Types

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) in different glaucoma types. Methods: This was observational, cross-sectional, non-interventional study conducted on 127 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, 59 primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) patients, 34 pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEX) patients, and 55 normotensive glaucoma (NTG) patients (total of 275 glaucoma patients). The control group (CG, 92 patients) consisted of patients with cataract. ePWV was calculated by the formula that was recommended by the Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration from data on age and mean arterial blood pressure. The obtained results were processed by applying methods of descriptive (arithmetical mean, standard deviation) and analytical statistics, and comparisons of tested variables were performed using ANOVA. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between patients with POAG and the CG (p value 0.042), and between those with NTG and the CG (p value 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in ePWV values when comparing all tested patients with glaucoma and the control group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Estimated pulse wave velocity may be a helpful tool in future risk assessment models for glaucoma.