Abstract:
Purpose: Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness, involves progressive retinal ganglion cell loss
and optic nerve damage. It affects 3.54% of individuals aged 40-80, with a higher prevalence in
Africa and Asia. Raised intraocular pressure is a known risk factor, but blood supply to the optic
nerve also plays a role. Systemic hypertension and nocturnal blood pressure drops may influence
glaucoma, though their exact relationship remains unclear. This study aims to examine the impact
of blood pressure and perfusion pressures on glaucoma in North Karnataka’s adult population.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study on the association between systemic
hypertension, perfusion pressure, and glaucoma was conducted in hypertensives and
normotensives from May 2023 to December 2024. A comprehensive eye examination was
conducted, including blood pressure and intraocular pressure measurements, from which mean
perfusion pressures were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test,
Mann Whitney U test, Spearman rho and Kruskal Wallis Test at p<0.05 significance.
Results: This study evaluated 168 participants (84 hypertensive cases and 84 normotensive
controls). Hypertensive individuals showed significantly higher intraocular and ocular perfusion
pressure than controls at all time intervals (p<0.05). Blood pressure was highest at 1 pm and 6 pm.
OPP values were positively correlated with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures
(P<0.05). Antihypertensive medications significantly influenced OPP, with patients on combined
medications showing the highest OPP.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of screening hypertensive individuals for
glaucoma, emphasizing the need to carefully evaluate blood pressure, intraocular pressure and
ocular perfusion pressures. Managing these factors is crucial for preventing optic nerve damage
and glaucoma progression.
