[Evaluation of vascular risk factors in primary open-angle glaucoma using doppler sonography].
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a syndrome of progressive optic neuropathy characterized by optic nerve head excavation and visual field defects. Poor correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and progression of glaucoma disease puts vascular mechanism in the center of attention. By color Doppler sonography, quantification of blood flow changes in the vessels which supplying optic nerve head is possible.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the antiglaucomatous action of selective-blockers by color Doppler sonography.


METHODS
Forty-four patients (88 eyes) were divided into two groups: group 1 treated with selective beta-blockers and group 2 treated with nonselective beta-blockers. Vascular indices (RI, PI) were measured in the central retinal artery and posterior ciliary arteries.


RESULTS
Decreased blood flow and increased vascular indices were found in both groups, with a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2. Blood flow velocity was higher and vascular indices were lower in group 1 (Betoptic 0.5%) than in group 2 (Timolol 0.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
beta-blockers, selective (betaxolol-calcium channel blockers) have more potent vasoactive and neuroprotective action. Color Doppler sonography is useful in the quantification of blood flow changes in the vessels in patients with POAG.
Maricić-Dosen
Vukosava
V
Zavod za oftalmologiju Opća bolnica, Sveti Duh Sveti Duh 64 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska.
Karaman-Martinović
Zeljka
Z
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D019842:Ciliary Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011674:Pulse; D012161:Retinal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D014655:Vascular Resistance