Primary open angle glaucoma and intraocular pressure in patients with systemic hypertension

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG), Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and systemic hypertension. Design: Cross-sectional, convenient and controlled study. Setting: Eye Clinic of the Lagos University Teaching hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria. Subjects: Consecutive new patients with documented history of hypertension medication of over three months and current attendees at hypertension clinic of the same hospital were enrolled into the study. Results: A total of 150 hypertensive patients and 50 age-sex matched controls were studied. Age range of hypertensives was 34-54 years and controls 31-71 years. The mean age for hypertensive group was 56 years (±12.95) and controls 54.76 years (±9.65) p>0.1. The mean IOP was 28.45mmHg (±10.3) in hypertensive group and 15.2mmHg (±5.09) in controls (P<0.001). POAG was present in 58 (38.7%) of the hypertensive patients whilst only nine (18.0%) had POAG in control group (p<0.01 odds ratio: 22). IOP> 21mmHg was found in 28 (18.7)) of hypertensive group and two (4.0%) of the control (p<0.01 odds ratio 4.7). Conclusion: Systemic hypertension showed a modest positive association with elevated intraocular pressure. The strong relationship with IOP in part supports the association with POAG.