Prevalence Of Ocular Hypertension Research Articles

Prevalence of Ocular Hypertension and Other Risk Factors of Open-Angle Glaucoma Among Middle-Aged Adults in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Ocular hypertension (OHT), defined by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) beyond standard levels, is a predominant risk factor for initiating and exacerbating glaucoma, a collection of progressive optic neuropathies responsible for irreversible vision loss. Given the profound implications for vision care, it is imperative to elucidate the interplay between OHT and glaucoma for effective clinical management. Objective The present study aims to measure IOP levels and identify risk factors associated with glaucoma among middle-aged individuals in Al-Baha City, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted over a six-month span (January-June 2022) in Al-Baha City. The study cohort comprised adults aged 35 and above attending a glaucoma awareness campaign at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Baha. Parameters such as demographics, socioeconomic status, medical and ocular history, and familial history of eye diseases were collated. Initial ophthalmologic assessments and IOP measurements were performed. Statistical analyses utilized Pearson's Chi-square test for nominal variables. Results The study encompassed 111 participants, 84 (75.7%) of whom were male, and 75 (67.6%) were of Saudi nationality. Notably, 102 (91.9%) reported no family history of glaucoma, 91 (81.1%) indicated no past medical history and 81 (73.0%) were not on any chronic medications. The mean IOP for participants' right and left eyes fluctuated between 18.2-21.5 mmHg and 18.9-22.1 mmHg, respectively. Factors such as age, gender, family history of glaucoma, past medical history, use of chronic medications, and history of ophthalmic surgeries demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with IOP (p<0.05). Conclusion This study highlights a higher prevalence of OHT in females, with several risk factors for OHT and glaucoma identified, such as familial history, vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and chronic medication use. Notably, our study did not observe a significant association with age or smoking. These findings emphasize the necessity of regular eye examinations and IOP monitoring, especially in high-risk groups.

Aspects épidémiologiques et cliniques du glaucome primitif à angle ouvert à Bejaia : « Bejaia Eye Study »

To determine the prevalence of POAG and its clinical features in a population aged 40years and over in Bejaia. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey for analytical purposes in a representative sample from the municipality of Bejaia. The target population consists of residents of the municipality aged 40 and over who were examined in basic health facilities in the municipality of Bejaia, from May 31, 2015 to July 12, 2016. The visual field, OCT, vertical C/D and intraocular pressure (IOP) criteria were used to define whether or not primary open angle glaucoma was present. A total of 1484 people (99 %) participated in the study. The mean age of the study population was 57.97±10.77years, with a median of 56years and sex ratio of 1.07. The prevalence of glaucoma in our study was 5.5 %: POAG 4.6 % (95% CI=3.5-5.7); PACG 0.3 % (95 % CI=0.1, 0.7); secondary glaucoma 0.5 % (95 % CI=0.2-0.7). The prevalence of ocular hypertension was 3.0 % (95% CI=2.2-4.0). The age-adjusted prevalence was 0.8 % between 40 and 49years of age and 6.9% between 60 and 69years of age. The mean age was 66.76±9.31years for men and 67.68±12.10years for women. The mean IOP was 17.53±5.69mm Hg. The mean pachymetry was 518.3±34.3μm in the right eye and 517.4±33.9μm in the left eye. The mean cup/disc ratio was 0.7±0.2 in both eyes. Multivariate analysis of risk factors in our study showed that age and ocular hypertension were significantly associated with the presence of POAG. The prevalence of POAG is disparate in relation to the age difference, the method of recruitment and the diagnostic criteria: in Bejaia, it is 4.6 %; in Morocco: Marrakech 2.0 %, Fez 6.4 %; in Tunisia: Bardo 2.7 %, Mahdia 2.4 %. The prevalence of POAG increases exponentially with age without significant gender difference. The inclusion of suspect cases influences the prevalence (Beaver Dam, Namil Study). We found that the prevalence of OHT in our study approximates that of the BMES, but it did not show a significant increase with age. The mean CCT in Bejaia (526.35±34.86 microns) and Fez (522.16±41.45 microns) are comparable. The mean vertical C/D ratio in Bejaia was also comparable to data in the literature. A significant difference was observed in the mean median deviation (MD) between subjects with glaucoma and normal subjects. The retinal nerve fiber layer as well as the mean ganglion cell complex thickness in glaucoma subjects was significantly thinner than in healthy subjects. The prevalence of POAG is high, similar to that of people of African descent, but at older ages and among men. The rate of glaucoma in Bejaia rises significantly with age. Glaucoma is a major ocular health problem and will become increasingly important as the population ages.

Prevalence of Ocular Hypertension in Patients Above 40 Years of Age

Introduction: Ocular hypertension is a condition with elevated intraocular pressure that needs to be monitored closely to prevent glaucoma and other complications. The study aims to find out the prevalence of ocular hypertension in patients aged more than 40 years. Materials and methods: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted in a community based tertiary hospital of Nepal. Results: Mean age of the patients was 47.53years. 62% of the patients were males and 38% were females. Mean intraocular pressure in the right eye was 15.8 mmHg and mean intraocular pressure in left eye was 16.2 mm Hg. Prevalence of ocular hypertension was 6%. Conclusion: All patients more than 40 years of age should undergo detailed ocular examination for early detection and treatment of ocular hypertension.

The analysis of the glaucoma screening event results obtained during the World Glaucoma Week in Zagreb, Croatia.

To report the prevalence of undiagnosed glaucoma, as well as demographic characteristics and risk factors among glaucoma suspects who were detected in a publicly promoted intraocular pressure (IOP) based glaucoma screening event. A total of 2468 subjects older than 18years participated in the glaucoma screening event in Zagreb, in 2014, which included a medical interview and IOP measurement using Icare tonometer. 256 subjects (10.37%) were identified as glaucoma suspects, out of which 125 (5.06%) subjects underwent further detailed ophthalmic examination and were classified into five diagnostic groups. The prevalence of all types of newly diagnosed glaucoma was 1.175%, while the prevalence of ocular hypertension (OH), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure (PAC) and secondary glaucoma (SG) was 0.16%, 0.89%, 0.16% and 0.12%, respectively. The prevalence of newly diagnosed glaucoma in glaucoma suspects was 23.2%. 17.60% of glaucoma suspects were diagnosed as POAG. Older age was statistically significantly associated with POAG (p = 0.001) and PAC (p = 0.029). At the univariate level, refractive errors were a statistically significant predictor of POAG, and those with hyperopia had more than three times larger odds for POAG. At the multivariate level, none of the predictors reached statistical significance. Successful cooperation between healthcare institutions and media can be a useful way of increasing awareness and detection of individuals at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.

Detection of Intraocular Hypertension during Opportunity Screening (Check-Up Medical Inspections).

The aim of the study is the early detection of OHT (Ocular hypertension) in patients, in the activity of secondary prophylaxis (opportunity screening-medical check-up), to prevent blindness caused by POAG (Primary Open Angle Glaucoma). In Romania, medical examination of personnel with responsibilities in Transport Safety (TS) is legally regulated, being mandatory as a result of the internal transposition of European legislation in the field. The addressability of the patients for examination was determined by personal choice, depending on the accessibility of the medical service on the profile market (availability and price). The design of the study is epidemiological, observational, descriptive and retrospective. The standardized medical protocol included: personal medical history (anamnesis), physical ophthalmological examination, Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and Visual Field (VF) performance, with Automated Perimeter “Optopol PTS 910” through “Fast Threshold” strategy. The specialized medical research was completed with a dichotomous questionnaire entitled “Symptom Inventory”, made according to the recommendations of patients resulting from “Focus group” research. The study was carried out within the “Check-up” type medical controls upon request, only for personnel with positions in Transport Safety (TS), during January–December 2021 at S.C. ARTIMED S.R.L. Oradea, Bihor County. Health analysis was performed for 820 people, of whom 71 people (8.65%) tested positive for IOP > 21 mmHg, (suspected OHT) compared to 749 (91.35%) with normal values (Normal intraocular pressure-NIOP); the two lots being statistically significantly different (x2 = 560.590, df = 1, p = 0.000). The study involved 754 men (92.0%) and 66 women (8.0%), the sex ratio is 11.42 (Exp (B) = 0.782, Sig = 0.558, 95% CI = 0.343–1783; sex is not a significant predictor at the 5% level). The prevalence of OHT was 8.66% for the whole group, 8.48% for men and 10.60% for women. In the screening action for the whole group of patients the following was determined: IOP reference = 20.85 mmHg, Sensitivity (Se) = 91.5% and 1-Specificity (Sp) = 0.073, (Sp = 92.7%). The predictive value of the screening test was: Positive Predictive Value (PPV) = 90.1% and Negative Predictive Value (NPV) = 91.7%; Area under the ROC Curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic) = 0.986, Sig. = 0.000, CI95% = 0.979–0.993. A binary logistical model of a questionnaire was developed to determine the screening parameters which significantly predicted OHT: IOP (OR = 4.154, 95% CI: 3.155–5.469), Age < 40 years (OR = 0.408, 95% CI: 0.239–0.698) and Pattern Defect (PD) (OR = 1.475% CI: 1.130–1.925). The results of this study assess health status through regular medical examinations, and highlight their importance and usefulness in secondary prevention activity. The particularity of this “check-up” type for personnel with attributions in transport safety is based on two essential aspects: the legal obligation to perform it and the fact it is financed by the beneficiary (the employer). In patients suspected of OHT after antiglaucoma treatment, IOP statistically significantly decreased.

CLINICAL FEATURES OF INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANTATION IN VITRECTOMIZED EYES OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA.

To identify the clinical outcomes of intravitreal dexamethasone implantation (IVD) in previously vitrectomized eyes of patients with diabetic macular edema. We performed a retrospective observational study. We recorded central subfield thickness, best-corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure up to 12 months after IVD implant placement. We compared the duration of IVD action, intraocular pressure trends, and the prevalence of ocular hypertension after the first IVD treatment of nonvitrectomized and vitrectomized eyes. We also compared the central subfield thickness, best-corrected visual acuity, number of IVD treatments, and prevalence of ocular hypertension between the 2 groups after 12 months. We found no significant between-group differences in the central subfield thickness, best-corrected visual acuity, or the prevalence of ocular hypertension during treatment. However, the duration of action of the first IVD treatment was significantly shorter in vitrectomized eyes, and these eyes required more IVD treatments during the 12-month follow-up period. The maximal average intraocular pressure was observed at 2 months after the first IVD treatment in the nonvitrectomized group, but 1 month after the first IVD treatment in the vitrectomized group. These findings suggest that the IVD pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics differ between vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes. Nevertheless, given the relatively long-lasting effectiveness of the treatment and the good clinical results, consecutive IVD treatments may be beneficial for patients with diabetic macular edema with previously vitrectomized eyes.

Comparison of Intraocular Pressure among Individuals with Systemic Hypertension and those with Normal Blood Pressure

Introduction: Systemic blood pressure, by far, is one of the most important factors that can have an effect on intraocular pressure. We have compared the intraocular pressure (IOP) among patients with systemic hypertension and those with normal blood pressure. Materials and methods: A hospital based case control study was conducted from March 2017 to March 2018 in the Ophthalmology outpatient department at Dhulikhel Hospital. A total of 100 patients with hypertension were included in the case group (hypertensive group) and 100 cases with no systemic or ocular disease were included in the control group (normotensive group). Mean intraocular pressures were calculated and compared between the two groups. Results: Mean age of patients was 49.03 years in hypertensive group and 47.53 years in normotensive group. Mean IOP of the right eye in those with hypertension was 16.10 mmHg and in the left eye was 15.8 mmHg. Similarly mean IOP of the right eye in the normotensive group was 15.8 mmHg and the left eye was 16.2 mmHg. The difference between mean IOP of hypertensive and normotensive individuals was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). The prevalence of ocular hypertension was found to be 7.5%. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in IOP between hypertensive and normotensive individuals. However, a statistically significant difference in IOP was noted between ‘hypertensive with controlled blood pressure’ and ‘hypertensive with uncontrolled BP’ indicating that high blood pressure may be associated with high IOP.

The Association of Intraocular Pressure With Obesity and Cardiometabolic Risk in a Young Farmworker Population.

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was found to be significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in a farmworker population located in the southeast Georgia, USA. BMI was correlated with IOP, independent of systemic blood pressures. Elevated IOP is a known risk factor for glaucomatous optic neuropathy and is believed to be associated with obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. The high prevalence of these conditions in the United States necessitates an evaluation of the relationship among obesity, cardiometabolic risks, and IOP among understudied younger populations. Farmworker data were collected from the annual Costa-Layman Health Fair between 2013 and 2017. Correlations of IOP with demographic factors, obesity, and cardiometabolic risks were analyzed using analysis of covariance, partial Pearson correlations, and linear regressions. In the farmworker population (n=346), the mean IOP was 15.5 mm Hg and the prevalence of ocular hypertension (IOP>21 mm Hg) was 5.5%. BMI, waist circumference, and DBP were significantly correlated (r=0.192, P=0.001; r=0.128, P=0.017; r=0.142, P=0.007, respectively) with IOP when adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. Each 10 mm Hg increase in DBP corresponded with a 0.51 mm Hg increase in IOP. With adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, systolic blood pressure, and DBP, BMI remained significantly correlated with IOP (r=0.166, P=0.002). Higher IOP is associated with obesity measures including BMI and waist circumference and is correlated with DBP. These findings suggest that BMI is an independent risk factor for elevated IOP.

Relevance of mandatory glaucoma screening in all patients from outreach cataract camps referred to a base hospital for cataract surgery

Background: Glaucoma is the first cause of irreversible blindness and second leading cause of visual loss in the world. The purpose of this study was to conduct mandatory glaucoma screening and to find out the prevalence of glaucoma, in all patients referred for cataract surgery to a base hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients referred from rural screening camps to base hospital for cataract surgery. Medical records of 5024 consecutive patients referred to base hospital from the month of January to June 2019 were reviewed. All these 5024 patients underwent comprehensive ophthalmic and systemic examination. Those patients in which glaucoma was suspected, were referred to glaucoma clinic for further evaluation.Results: Total 5024 patient’s records were analysed retrospectively. The mean age of the participants was 57.2±8.149 ranged from 40-95 years and average age of patients having cataract with glaucoma was 61.3±9.423. Total patients of glaucoma with cataract were 188 (3.7%). The prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) was 1.69% and 1.17% respectively while secondary glaucoma was found in 0.88% of the patients. The prevalence of ocular hypertension, PAC and PACS was 0.33%, 0.29% and 0.83% respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of glaucoma in this study was 3.7% of those planned for cataract surgery. Therefore, mandatory glaucoma screening in all patients from outreach cataract camps would result in detection of a large number of those with undiagnosed glaucoma.

The Relationship between Anterior Chamber Angle and Intraocular Pressure Early after V4c Implantable Collamer Lens Implantation.

Purpose To confirm the relationship between anterior chamber angle (ACA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) early after V4c implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation. Methods Patients were assigned to two groups: (1) right eyes (control group) and (2) left eyes (experimental group), with miosis conducted immediately after ICL implantation in the left eyes. IOP, angle opening distance (AOD), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), and pupil diameter (PD) were compared between two groups at postoperative hours 1, 2, and 24. The relationship between ACA, PD, and IOP was analyzed by multiple linear regression. Result Thirty-six eyes of 18 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of ocular hypertension (OHT, defined as IOP ≥ 21 mmHg) was 61.11% and 16.67% in the right and left eyes, respectively, (χ2 = 7.481, p=0.006). At postoperative hours 1 and 2, IOP and PD were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the right eyes, and TIA and AOD were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the right eyes than in the left eyes. There was no significant difference at 24 h postoperative in these parameters. After the right eye ICL implantation, the changes of AOD 500 and PD were both linearly correlated with postoperative IOP change (β = −23.707 and 1.731, respectively; p = 0.013 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusion The ACA was significantly narrowed immediately after V4c ICL implantation. There was a negative linear correlation between ACA and early IOP and a positive linear correlation between PD and early IOP. We recommend the use of intracameral miotics immediately after V4c ICL implantation to reduce the incidence of IOP spikes.

Metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for high intraocular pressure: the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2010.

BackgroundHigh intraocular pressure (IOP) is well established as the most significant risk factor for both the development and progression of primary open-angle glaucoma. Elevated IOP is more frequently seen in the presence of metabolic disturbances that are associated with the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between ocular hypertension and MetS.Patients and methodsWe examined the relationship between ocular hypertension and MetS in 17,160 Korean adults without glaucoma aged >19 years (7,368 men and 9,792 women) who participated in the 2008–2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MetS and ocular hypertension, after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was 35.1% among males and 30.1% among females. The prevalence of ocular hypertension was 1.3% among males with MetS and 0.7% among females with MetS. Participants with MetS had a significantly higher IOP than those without MetS (P≤0.001), and each component of MetS had a different effect on the IOP. Hypertension was the strongest predictor of an elevated IOP. In multivariate regression analysis, ocular hypertension was significantly associated with MetS (P=0.027 for men; P=0.015 for women).ConclusionThere is a statistically significant relationship between MetS and ocular hypertension.

Prevalence of Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma as Well as Associated Factors in Graves' Orbitopathy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ocular hypertension (OHT) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and to investigate the associations between clinical features of the disease and the prevalence of OHT and OAG. A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted among a total of 1128 patients with GO. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed, including intraocular pressure, optic disc photography, visual field testing using a Humphrey visual field analyzer, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography. The results were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A 6.8% prevalence of OHT (77/1128) and a 1.6% prevalence of OAG (18/1128) were observed. When considering only patients older than 40 years, the prevalence of OHT and OAG was 9.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Twenty-nine of the 1128 patients (2.6%) developed compressive optic neuropathy. Of the factors evaluated, male sex [odds ratio (OR), 1.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08-3.10], duration of GO (6 to 24 mo; OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17-3.71; 24 to 60 mo; OR, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.66-7.18), clinical activity score ≥3 (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.03-3.01), extraocular muscle involvement (OR, 4.65; 95% CI, 2.54-8.50), and lid retraction (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.19-3.96) were associated with the prevalence of OHT in GO. The prevalence of OAG was associated with male sex (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.60-11.51) and duration of GO (≥60 mo; OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 1.11-16.47). The prevalence of OHT in patients with GO was higher and the prevalence of OAG was similar to that in the general population.

Use of data display screens and ocular hypertension in local public sector workers

The main objective of this study is to examine the association between work with data display screens (DDS) and ocular hypertension (OHT). A cross-sectional study among local public sector workers (Diputación Provincial de Valencia). Data from 620 people were collected over 25 months, from periodic medical examinations performed at an occupational health unit. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was obtained with a portable puff tonometer validated for screening, establishing the cut-off point for OHT at 22 mmHg. Both biological characteristics and other work-related variables were taken into account as covariates. Descriptive statistics of the data were obtained, together with nonparametric tests with a level of significance of 95% and logistic regression with p 〈0.1 as the level of significance of the likelihood test. The average age of the study population is 52.8 years. The prevalence of OHT was 3.5% (5.1% among men and 1.2% among women; p=0.012). No significant associations were found between hours of DDS-related work and OHT were found (p=0.395). Logistic regression corroborated the association between gender and OHT, with women less affected (OR = 0.234; 95%CI: 0.068 - 0.799; p=0.020). In our study, no associations were found between time of exposure to data display screens and ocular hypertension. Logistic regression points to a certain association between ocular hypertension and gender, with men being more predisposed.

Effect of Corneal Arcus on Central Corneal Thickness, Intraocular Pressure, and Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

To examine the association of corneal arcus with central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and the prevalence of primary open-angle glaucoma. This was a population-based cross-sectional study of Malay participants aged 40 to 80 years living in Singapore. Participants underwent a standardized interview and systemic and ocular examinations, including CCT, IOP, and corneal curvature radius measurements. Corneal arcus, assessed using a slitlamp, was defined as gray-white or yellow opacity located near the periphery of the cornea but separated from the limbus by a clear zone. Corneal arcus was found in right eyes among 1747 (57.9%) of 3015 participants. After adjusting for age, sex, and systemic factors, IOP was higher (15.87 vs 14.86 mm Hg, P < .001) and CCT was thinner (540.6 vs 543.4 μm, P = .03) in eyes with vs without corneal arcus. In multiple linear regression models, eyes with corneal arcus had on average 1.14 mm Hg higher IOP than eyes without corneal arcus. In the presence of corneal arcus, the linear correlations of CCT × IOP and of corneal curvature radius × IOP were altered. The prevalence of ocular hypertension, but not primary open-angle glaucoma, was significantly higher among participants with corneal arcus than among participants without corneal arcus (P = .02). Corneal arcus was associated with higher IOP and lower CCT independent of age, sex, and systemic and ocular factors. Further research is required to investigate the clinical implications of these findings for IOP assessment in eyes with corneal arcus.

Graves' orbitopathy: frequency of ocular hypertension and glaucoma

To determine the relationship between ocular hypertension and glaucoma in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. A total of 107 patients with a diagnosis of Graves' orbitopathy, followed at the Oculoplasty sector of the University Hospital, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, were evaluated by applanation tonometry, computed visual campimetry (Humphrey 30-2, Full Threshold) and analysis and photographic documentation of the optic nerve. The patients considered to have the suspicion of glaucoma were re-evaluated 1 year later for diagnostic confirmation or exclusion. A 3.74% prevalence of ocular hypertension (four patients) and a 2.8% prevalence of glaucoma (three patients) was observed. When considering only patients older than 40 years, the prevalence of ocular hypertension was 5.4% (four patients) and the prevalence of glaucoma was 4.76% (three patients). The present study did not reveal a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of ocular hypertension or glaucoma between patients with Graves' orbitopathy and the general population.

Prevalence of Open-angle Glaucoma, Glaucoma Suspect, and Ocular Hypertension in Thyroid-related Immune Orbitopathy

To determine the prevalence of open-angle glaucoma (OAG), glaucoma suspects (GS), and ocular hypertension (OHT) in patients with thyroid-related immune orbitopathy (TRIO) and compare it with a control group. In this cross-sectional analytic study, 233 eyes of 117 patients with TRIO (case group) and 240 eyes of 120 normal age and sex-matched individuals (control group) underwent complete ocular examinations. Grave orbitopathy (GO) was diagnosed by clinical examinations with the help of an endocrinologist and para clinic tests. Controls were selected among apparently healthy individuals with no history of previous orbitopathy or thyroid diseases. Prevalence of OAG and OHT was 2.5% and 8.5% in the case group, respectively. In contrast, OAG was detected in only 2 eyes (0.8%) of the control group and there were no instances of GS or OHT in the control group. Although the prevalence of OAG and GS were higher in cases than controls, this difference was not statistically significant. However, OHT was more common in cases (P<0.01). Ten eyes in the case group (4.3%) developed compressive optic neuropathy (CON); high intraocular pressure was detected in 5 of them (2.1%). All cases of OAG and GS in the case group were classified as stage 3 or higher of No symptoms or signs, Only signs no symptoms, Soft tissue, Proptosis, Extraocular muscle, Cornea, Sight loss. Active GO was only more prevalent in patients with OHT (P<0.001). The prevalence of OHT was higher in cases with GO than age and sex-matched controls. Ophthalmologic examinations including intraocular pressure measurement (and if needed automated visual fields) should be regularly performed in patients with GO particularly in higher stages and those with active disease.

Die Salzburg-Moorfields-Collaborative-Glaucoma Study: Erste Ergebnisse der Prävalenzen und 5-Jahres-Inzidenzen in dieser prospektiven, bevölkerungsbasierten Longitudinalstudie

This prospective, population-based longitudinal study describes prevalences and 5-year incidences of individuals with normal findings, ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) admitted to the Salzburg-Moorfields Collaborative Glaucoma Study (SMCGS). The SMCGS is embedded in a government-supported glaucoma blindness prevention programme in Salzburg (Austria) which is designed for a minimum of 10-years follow-up. Each subject receives a complete ophthalmological examination. In total, the findings of 853 subjects with complete data sets were analysed and evaluated. The prevalence of participants with normal findings was 75 % (95 % CI: 72 - 78 %) at the initial examination, decreasing to 64 % (95 % CI: 60 - 67 %) at the 5-year follow-up. The prevalence of OHT at the initial exam of 2.3 % (95 % CI: 1.4 - 3.6 %) increased to 3.5 % (95 % CI: 2.4 - 5.0 %) at the 5-year follow-up exam with an incidence of 1.2 % (95 % CI: 0.6 - 2.2 %). Finally, the prevalence of POAG of 0.6 % (95 % CI: 0.2 - 1.4 %) increased to 1.6 % (0.9 - 2.7 %) at the 5-year exam which corresponds to a 5-year incidence of POAG of 1.0 % (0.5 - 2.0 %). The prevalence of POAG increases statistically significantly when compared at the initial and 5-year follow up exam (p = 0,002). Our results confirm the positive relation between age and the prevalence of POAG (odds ratio = 0.89, 95 % CI: 0.81 - 0.98). The prevalence and 5-year incidence rates in this glaucoma prevention study are similar to those of other population-based studies.

Open-angle glaucoma and systemic hypertension: The Blue Mountains eye study. Mitchell P, Lee AJ, Rochtchina E, Wang JJ. J Glaucoma 2004;13:319–326.

Data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study were used to determine systemic hypertension is associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in an older population. The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 subjects aged 49 to 47 years. Hypertension was diagnosed from history in treated subjects or from systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥ 95 mm Hg. POAG as diagnosed from congruous optic disk rim thinning and visual field loss, without reference to intraocular pressure (IOP) level. Ocular hypertension (OHT) was defined when IOP was > 21 mm Hg in either eye, among patients without POAG. Hypertension was present in 45.7% of subjects, POAG in 3.0%, and OHT in 5.2%. Hypertension was significantly associated with POAG, after adjustment for POAG risk factors, including IOP with an odds ratio (OR) 1.56 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.40. This relation was strongest in subjects with poorly controlled hypertension (POAG prevalence 5.4%), compared with normotensive subjects (POAG prevalence 1.9%), independent of IOP (OR 1.88, CI 1.09–3.25). The population-attributable risk for hypertension (20.4%) was higher than for other identified POAG risk factors. The prevalence of OHT was 8.1% in subjects with poorly controlled hypertension (OR 1.81, CI 1.20–2.73) and 8.2% in untreated hypertension (OR 1.96, CI 1.31–2.95), compared to 4.2% in normotensive subjects. Hypertension, particularly if poorly controlled, appears related to a modest, increased risk of POAG, independent of the effect of BP on IOP and other glaucoma risk factors. Hypertension was also associated with OHT, a relationship that could in part reflect the influence of BP on IOP. Data from the Blue Mountains Eye Study were used to determine systemic hypertension is associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in an older population. The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 subjects aged 49 to 47 years. Hypertension was diagnosed from history in treated subjects or from systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥ 95 mm Hg. POAG as diagnosed from congruous optic disk rim thinning and visual field loss, without reference to intraocular pressure (IOP) level. Ocular hypertension (OHT) was defined when IOP was > 21 mm Hg in either eye, among patients without POAG. Hypertension was present in 45.7% of subjects, POAG in 3.0%, and OHT in 5.2%. Hypertension was significantly associated with POAG, after adjustment for POAG risk factors, including IOP with an odds ratio (OR) 1.56 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.40. This relation was strongest in subjects with poorly controlled hypertension (POAG prevalence 5.4%), compared with normotensive subjects (POAG prevalence 1.9%), independent of IOP (OR 1.88, CI 1.09–3.25). The population-attributable risk for hypertension (20.4%) was higher than for other identified POAG risk factors. The prevalence of OHT was 8.1% in subjects with poorly controlled hypertension (OR 1.81, CI 1.20–2.73) and 8.2% in untreated hypertension (OR 1.96, CI 1.31–2.95), compared to 4.2% in normotensive subjects. Hypertension, particularly if poorly controlled, appears related to a modest, increased risk of POAG, independent of the effect of BP on IOP and other glaucoma risk factors. Hypertension was also associated with OHT, a relationship that could in part reflect the influence of BP on IOP.

Relationship between intraocular pressure and systemic health parameters in a Korean population

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and age and obesity, adjusted for systemic health parameters such as sex and mean blood pressure, in a Korean population. A total of 13 212 healthy participants underwent automated multiphasic tests, including tonometry, automated perimetry, fundus photography, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Six age groups were used, divided by decades ranging from 20-29 years to 70+ years. The association between IOP and systemic health para-meters was examined using cross-sectional analysis. The median age of participants was 47.6 years (range 20-84 years), and 6684 (50.6%) of participants were men. The mean IOP of participants was 15.5 mmHg. The mean IOP, blood pressure and BMI values were significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence of ocular hypertension, defined as IOP >21 mmHg without signs of glaucomatous visual field loss or optic disc damage, was 6.1% in men and 2.5% in women. Intraocular pressure was associated with mean blood pressure, sex, age and BMI by multiple regression analysis (P < 0.05). The relationship between IOP and age adjusted for sex, mean blood pressure and BMI had a significantly negative tendency for both sexes (P < 0.05). Body mass index had a significantly positive relation with IOP after controlling for age, sex and mean blood pressure in men (P < 0.05), but not in women. In this Korean population, after multiple adjustment, IOP was found to decrease with age and to increase with BMI in men.

High Occurrence Rate of Glaucoma among Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

The purpose of the current study was to reveal the occurrence rate of glaucoma among patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All 112 patients of four nursing homes in Upper Bavaria, Germany, who met the diagnostic criteria of probable AD, were incorporated into the study. Visual field defects and/or optic disc cupping compatible with the diagnosis of glaucoma were found in 29 out of 112 patients with AD (25.9%). When compared to a control group (5.2%) and to the prevalence of glaucoma in western countries revealed in a number of glaucoma surveys (2.6–4.7%), patients with AD may have a significantly increased occurrence rate of glaucoma. In addition, ocular hypertension with normal visual fields and normal optic nerve heads was not found in patients with AD. The prevalence of ocular hypertension in the control group was 7.8% and parallels previous surveys. Therefore, we assume that the optic nerve seems to be less resistant to elevated intraocular pressure levels in AD patients.