[Importance of ocular blood flow in glaucoma]

The vascular factor is becoming increasingly important in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma. Ocular hypotonia, which is indubitably a risk factor in the development of glaucoma, cannot be regarded as the sole pathogenic factor. Clinical experience leaves no doubt that some patients tolerate a high IOP for prolonged periods of time without ocular damage. In others, however, severe glaucoma-related lesions result from slight hypertonia or critically low pressure.

The authors analyze the general factors which influence ocular blood flow and increase the deleterious effect of ocular hypertonia, and report results relating to the hemodynamic status of a group of glaucoma patients prior to and after one year of therapy with beta-blockers. The results are analyzed and discussed.