Ophthalmology
OphthalmologyJune 2018Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy Associated with Nocturnal Dip in Blood Pressure: Findings from the Maracaibo Aging Study.

IOP & Medical TherapyVisual Field

Summary

In this population, the link between nocturnal BP and GON is determined by extreme dipping effects rather than low nocturnal BP levels alone.

Abstract

PURPOSE

To determine which nocturnal blood pressure (BP) parameters (low levels or extreme dipper status) are associated with an increased risk of glaucomatous damage in Hispanics.

DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

A subset (n = 93) of the participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study (MAS) who met the study eligibility criteria were included. These participants, who were at least 40 years of age, had measurements for optical tomography coherence, visual field (VF) tests, 24-hour BP, office BP, and intraocular pressure 20% compared with daytime BP) were significant risk factors for glaucomatous damage (odds ratio, 19.78 and 5.55, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population, the link between nocturnal BP and GON is determined by extreme dipping effects rather than low nocturnal BP levels alone. Further studies considering extreme decreases in nocturnal BP in individuals at high risk of glaucoma are warranted.

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Discussion

Comments and discussion will appear here in a future update.