STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF HYPERTENSION ON INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE AND RETINAL NERVE FIBER LAYER THICKNESS

Abstract

Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is a long-term medical disorder marked
by consistently raised arterial pressure. It is a widespread illness impacting
approximately 1.3 billion individuals globally and a primary contributor to
cardiovascular diseases.
Aims and Objectives: To investigate changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)
thickness and intraocular pressure (IOP) in hypertensive patients compared to
normotensive patients.
Materials and Methods: The study included 400 adults (200 hypertensives and 200
normotensives) aged 40-75 years. RNFL thickness was measured using Spectral
Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT), and IOP was measured using
Goldmann Applanation Tonometry.
Results: Hypertensive patients showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure,
diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure compared to normotensives.
RNFL thickness was significantly reduced in the superior, inferior, nasal, and
temporal quadrants in hypertensives . The IOP was also significantly higher in
hypertensives.
Conclusion: Systemic hypertension is associated with structural changes in the
retina, including RNFL thinning and a slight increase in IOP. These findings
highlight the importance of considering ocular parameters in the management of
hypertensive patients to prevent potential vision-related disability.