Hypertension, perfusion pressure, and primary open-angle glaucoma. A population-based assessment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the association of vascular factors with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).


METHODS
A population-based prevalence survey of ocular disease among black and white residents.


METHODS
Communities of east Baltimore, Md.


METHODS
A stratified cluster sample of 5308 residents 40 years of age or older.


METHODS
Primary open-angle glaucoma as defined by demonstrable glaucomatous optic nerve damage based on visual fields and/or optic disc findings. Intraocular pressure level was not a criterion for diagnosis.


RESULTS
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed modest, positive association with POAG. The effect of blood pressure on POAG was modified by age, with a stronger association among older subjects. Lower perfusion pressure (blood pressure-intraocular pressure) was strongly associated with an increased prevalence of POAG, with a sixfold excess for those in the lowest category of perfusion pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that POAG is associated with an alteration in factors related to ocular blood flow and a breakdown of autoregulation.
Tielsch
J M
JM
Dana Center for Preventive Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
Katz
J
J
Sommer
A
A
Quigley
H A
HA
Javitt
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044383:Black People; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011157:Population Dynamics; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D044465:White People