Primary open angle glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy with possible involvement of oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of oxidative stress in terms of lipid peroxide (LPO) and the protective role of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide-dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in patients of primary open angle glaucoma. A total of 120 patients were enrolled. After taking informed consent, 5 ml of venous blood was taken under aseptic conditions in EDTA tube. These samples were transported from Eye OPD to Laboratory in icebox maintaining temperature for enzymatic activity of enzymes in blood samples.The blood was centrifuged, plasma was separated and was used for estimation of lipid peroxide (LPO). RBC lysates were prepared for estimation of antioxidant enzymes namely; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx). A total of 120 patients were enrolled. There was no significant difference in LPO levels of POAG patients and controls. No statistically significant difference was observed in the levels of SOD and catalase. There was a significantly raised value of GPx in POAG patients but since SOD activity was normal, we can conclude that the SOD level was sufficient to meet the above exigency. Oxidative stress is not the only cause for development of primary open angle glaucoma.
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