# Associations of long-term fluctuation in blood pressure and ocular perfusion pressure with visual field progression in normal-tension glaucoma

## TL;DR

This study found that fluctuations in blood pressure and ocular perfusion pressure are linked to worsening vision in patients with normal-tension glaucoma over seven years.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates a novel association between ocular perfusion pressure fluctuations and visual field progression in normal-tension glaucoma.

## Key findings

- Fluctuations in systolic blood pressure and ocular perfusion pressure were significantly associated with visual field progression.
- Multiple regression analysis confirmed that ocular perfusion pressure fluctuation was a significant predictor of visual field worsening.

## Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between fluctuation in blood pressure (BP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and visual field (VF) progression in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

This prospective, longitudinal study included 44 patients with NTG. Only newly diagnosed NTG patients who had not been treated with a glaucoma medication were included. Patients were examined every year for 7 years. Intraocular pressure (IOP), heart rate (HR), systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), and diastolic ocular perfusion pressure (DOPP) were measured at the same time. Ophthalmic examinations, including perimetry, were performed also. Initial VF were compared with follow-up data after 7 years.

After 7 years of follow-up, 9 of the 44 patients showed VF progression. The standard deviation (SD) of SBP and OPP were significantly associated with VF progression (P = 0.007, < 0.001, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that VF progression was significantly associated with SD of OPP (odds ratio, OR = 2.012, 95% CI = 1.016–3.985; P = 0.045).

Fluctuation in OPP was associated with VF progression in patients with NTG.