Ocular perfusion pressure and retrobulbar haemodynamics in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.
BACKGROUND
Previous investigations have shown that vascular factors are involved in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG). The present study aims at comparing ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), diastolic ocular perfusion pressure (dOPP), and retrobulbar haemodynamics in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).


METHODS
Forty-seven XFGs, 41 POAGs, and 38 healthy controls were evaluated. OPP and dOPP were calculated. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index (RI) were recorded in ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCAs) by color Doppler imaging (CDI). Correlations between OPP and CDI parameters and between dOPP and CDI parameters were determined.


RESULTS
OPP and dOPP were significantly lower in XFGs than in POAGs and controls (p < 0.001). CDI investigation revealed decreased EDV of OA, SPCAs, and CRA (p < 0.001) and increased RI of all the three considered vessels in XFGs compared with POAGs and controls (p < 0.001). A negative correlation between OPP and RI of OA and between dOPP and RI of OA was found in XFGs (p = 0.022 and p = 0.015 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular perfusion pressure is decreased and retrobulbar haemodynamics are worse in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma patients than in primary open-angle glaucoma patients and healthy controls. An impaired ocular vascular regulation is suggested in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.
Galassi
Fernando
F
Eye Clinic, University of Florence, viale Morgagni, 85-50134, Florence, Italy.
Giambene
Barbara
B
Menchini
Ugo
U
D000368:Aged; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D019842:Ciliary Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009880:Ophthalmic Artery / Q000502:physiology*; D009915:Orbit / Q000098:blood supply*; D010477:Perfusion; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012161:Retinal Artery / Q000502:physiology*; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color