Abstract :
Background: Glaucoma and hypertension share a common pathophysiology of altered sodium transport in the renal and ciliary epithelium and can co exist. High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma progression due to intraocular pressure spikes.
Aims: This study was performed to evaluate the association of hypertension with glaucoma and to assess the extent of optic disc damage, the role of anti hypertensive medications and visual morbidity.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective, multidisciplinary study performed on a cohort of 118 hypertensive patients over 1 year. Ophthalmic examination, ancillary ocular investigations, systemic tests and multi speciality referrals were obtained for all patients.
Results: Among 118 hypertensive patients, 64 (54.8%) had glaucoma. 65 patients (55.1%) were female and 53 patients (44.1%) male. Age group most frequently affected was between 60 and 70 years. There was increased incidence of ocular hypertension which was statistically significant (p value of 0.02). The range of IOP in those on anti hypertensive medications was 10-16 mmHg which was statistically significant (p value = 0. 03).
Discussion: Risk of glaucoma in hypertension was higher in women. An elevation of diastolic blood pressure is more significant than systolic BP in raising IOP. Decreased IOP was highest among patients taking calcium channel blockers.
Conclusion: Hypertension can cause both reduction and elevation in IOP. Treatment of hypertension does lower the IOP and prevent further progression of glaucoma and prevent any visual loss.
Keyword :
Blood pressure, Glaucoma, Hypertension, Intraocular pressure, Ocular hypertension.