[Vascular risk factors in glaucoma - diagnostics]

Abstract

The major risk factor for glaucoma is the increased intraocular pressure, and its pharmacological and/or surgical reduction slows down the progression of the glaucomatous damage. However, this protective effect is only a partial one, the complete arrest of damage progression does not take place, indicating risk factors other than intraocular pressure. Among vascular factors, reduced ocular perfusion pressure, in particular the nocturnal episodes of arterial hypotony, and the vascular dysregulation play important roles in glaucoma. Combined with variable intraocular pressure, these factors lead to oxidative stress, reperfusion damage and ultimately to the hallmark of glaucoma - loss of axons and tissue remodelling (cupping). Examination of vascular risk profile is necessary in order to tailor the therapy to the patients individual need.