Changes in the retrobulbar arterial circulation after decrease of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with primary open angle glaucoma

Abstract

Introduction. An altered perfusion of the optic nerve head has been proposed as a pathogenic factor in glaucoma. Objective. To evaluate changes of haemodynamic parameters in the retrobulbar arterial circulation after a decrease of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods. Twenty-six patients were examined, 14 men and 12 women, 21 up to 50 years old and 5 below, all with previously diagnosed and treated POAG, and all examined at the Eye Clinic, Clinical Centre of Serbia. IOP was measured both with a Goldmann aplanation tonometer and dynamic contour tonometer. Central corneal thickness was measured with ultrasound pachymeter. Imaging of the retrobulbar arterial circulation by colour Doppler was performed at the Neurology Clinic, Clinical Centre of Serbia. It involved measuring of haemodynamic parameters of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and posterior ciliary arteries. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured, and resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were calculated. Results. Haemodynamic arterial parameters PSV and EDV in the ophthalmic and central retinal artery after decrease of IOP were lower, while RI and PI were higher. In the posterior ciliary arteries PSV, EDV and PI were lower, and RI was higher. Conclusion. Changes of the retrobulbar arterial circulation after elevated IOP in POAG patients are important for approach and treatment, while the role of vascular factors in the supplement of the optic disc neuroretinal rim could be a key for progression backlash of glaucoma and the radix of neuroprotection.

Keywords

• elevated intraocular pressure
• retrobulbar arterial circulation
• primary open angle glaucoma