Altered corneal biomechanics and autoregulation dysfunction: possible contributing factors for the development of primary open angle glaucoma in patients with elevated intraocular pressure

Abstract

It is beyond dispute that elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor for the development of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Nonetheless, only a minority of patients with elevated IOP generate the disease. This leads to the notion that POAG is a progressive optic neuropathy caused by added factors that may work in concert with elevated IOP. Corneal viscoelastic resistance and vascular autoregulation have been associated to the effects of elevated IOP. This article discusses investigational facts suggesting that altered corneal viscoelastic/elastic properties and vascular dysregulation may contribute to the development of POAG in patients with elevated IOP.

Keywords

• Primary open angle glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension
• Corneal biomechanical properties
• Autoregulation dysfunction
• Optic nerve head
• Ocular blood flow