Risk factors in ocular hypertension

The aim of the study was to determine whether certain factors are related to an increased risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. A total of 345 untreated glaucoma suspects with intraocular pressure (IOP) > or = 21 mmHg, cup to disc ratio 0.4 or less and no visual field defects, were followed up for 6 to 8 years (mean 7.3). During the follow-up 71 patients developed established glaucoma and were compared to the remaining 274 patients. The following factors were analysed: age, family history of glaucoma, IOP, Humphrey 30-2 visual fields, optic disc appearance, myopia, exfoliation, arterial hypertension and diabetes. Analysis yielded statistically significant results regarding a number of these factors in the patients who subsequently developed open-angle glaucoma. A significant association with the subsequent development of field loss in ocular hypertension (OHT) included: heredity (p < 0.001), age > or = 60 years (p = 0.013), axial myopia (0.001 < p < 0.01) and arterial hypertension (p = 0.05). About 20% of patients with ocular hypertension developed glaucoma over a period of seven years. Risk factors such as heredity, age, myopia and arterial hypertension, among others, must be considered in the follow-up of glaucoma suspects.