June 11, 2007 (Insidermedicine) People with a high pulse pressure - the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure - are at higher risk of developing glaucoma, according to research published in the Archives of Ophthalmology. Open-angle glaucoma is a progressive disease that involves the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. It is the most common form of glaucoma, affecting approximately 2.5 million Americans, and causing blindness in 120,000 of them. In most cases glaucoma is associated with increased pressure within the eye, however in some cases the characteristic optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite a normal intraocular pressure, a condition known as normal-tension glaucoma. Risk factors for developing glaucoma include age, family history, African descent, diabetes, and possibly high blood pressure. It has been suggested that people with chronic high blood pressure are at increased risk, since high blood pressure can reduce the flow of blood and nutrients to the optic nerve, making it more prone to the damaging effects of high intraocular pressure. The relationship between the two, however, remains controversial. To study the link, researchers analyzed data from more than 5,300 people with and without glaucoma. They were subjected to an eye exam and blood pressure measurement at the beginning of the study; later on, arterial stiffness, which can indicate the presence of cardiovascular disease, was also measured. It was found that those with glaucoma, whose eye pressure was above 21 mmHg, had a higher pulse pressure, and possibly increased arterial stiffness. This link was not seen in those with glaucoma but normal eye pressure. More studies are needed to confirm the findings, and to explore the mechanisms involved in the development of glaucoma. Taking steps to reduce the risks for high blood pressure, including adopting a heart-healthy diet and increasing exercise, may help lower the risk of glaucoma.

Reporting for Insidermedicine, I’m Dr. Susan Sharma.