Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) is an estimate for the local intraocular blood flow, calculated as difference between the objective values for the diastolic or systolic systemic blood pressure (SBP) and intraocular pressure (IOP). Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is an eye disorder that affects the optic nerve (ON) with progressive damage to full eye sight loss, being associated, but not always, with high intraocular pressure (IOP).
Aim: Numerous studies have pointed out that the intraocular vascular impairments could be a consequence of a broader, systemic blood flow alteration. As OPP, as an estimate, engulfs both SBP and IOP, it could be used to better evaluate the presence and evolution for POAG.
Material and methods: 26 POAG treated patients were included over one year time frame, with an age between 44 and 80. Three eye exams were made in the beginning, at 6 and 12 months interval, data being collected for: IOP, visual field test, OPP, OCT, retinal examination and SBP.
Results: Although the treatment for high blood pressure was initiated, no major change was acknowledged in the median value for SBP (a mild drop in the systolic blood pressure from 127.5 mmHg to 125.8 mmHg). However, after the initiation of the POAG treatment a major improvement in the OPP could be established (a significant increase for the diastolic OPP from 58.9 mmHg to 64.2 mmHg).
Conclusions: This study suggests that OPP as an estimate for the real ocular blood flow, that includes both SBP and IOP, could be used to better predict POAG and also guide the effectiveness of its treatment.