A comparative study of intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion pressure changes in prehypertensive individuals

Abstract

Background: According to the WHO, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), an important determinant of ocular blood flow, represents the balance between the opposing forces of blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Alterations in OPP play a significant role in pathogenesis of glaucoma. Although systemic hypertension has been proved to be a potential risk factor for glaucoma, there is a paucity of literature regarding the vascular effects of prehypertension on optic disc. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to study the effects of prehypertension on IOP and OPP. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 voluntary participants in the age group of 20–50 years were selected. The study group comprised 51 subjects with prehypertension and control group included 51 age and sex-matched normotensives. Basal IOP and BP were recorded in sitting position using rebound tonometer and sphygmomanometer, respectively. Mean OPP was calculated. Results: There was significant increase in the IOP and OPP of both the eyes in prehypertensives when compared with normotensives. Conclusion: Elevated IOP levels in prehypertensive individuals are deleterious to optic disc. Raised OPP observed in prehypertensives could be due to effective autoregulation, which could be compromised if there is further increase in BP. Hence, early detection of prehypertension and measures to reduce the BP must be taken to prevent the development of glaucoma.