An observational study to compare the intraocular pressure between systemic hypertensive and normotensive patients attending the ophthalmology outpatients department at a tertiary care centre in Gwalior City

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma and hypertension are asymptomatic in their initial stages. However, management of blood pressure (BP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) may improve the treatment and visual prognosis of glaucoma. The interaction between BP and IOP is related to the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), which is an important factor in blood flow to the optic nerve. Therefore, this study aims to compare the IOP in non-glaucomatous patients between the systemic hypertensive group and the normotensive group. Material and Methods: The present observational comparative study was conducted on 80 systemic hypertensive and 80 normotensive patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) of the ophthalmology department at a tertiary care centre in Gwalior City between April 2023 to July 2023. IOP was measured using a non-contact tonometer and BP with a digital machine attached to the patient's left arm in the sitting position by taking two readings during the same visit of the day, and an average value was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS for Windows, Version 23.0 (IBM® Corporation, New York, United States). The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Chi-square test, Levene's test, independent samples t-test, Welch's t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Tukey Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test were applied. P 140 mmHg and DBP >90 mmHg. Our findings suggest that lower systemic BP is associated with lower IOP at presentation, which can further prevent the risk of developing glaucoma.

Keywords

• blood pressure
• diastolic
• eye
• systolic