Systemic hypotension: a risk factor for glaucomatous damage?
Four glaucoma patients with rapid progression of visual field damage and excavation of the optic nerve head despite normal or well-controlled intraocular pressure had one factor in common: low systemic blood pressure. Furthermore, when monitored during 24 h, a sustained blood pressure drop during sleep was always observed. Systemic hypotension, therefore, might be a significant risk factor for glaucomatous damage. The authors recommend measuring the blood pressure frequently in such patients, especially at night.
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Basel, Switzerland.
H J
HJ
Kaiser
J
J
Flammer
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000150:complications*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010862:Pilocarpine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D014794:Visual Fields
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D010862:Pilocarpine