Glaucoma is a cluster of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often leading to vision loss. Elevated eye pressure is the main risk factors. Low blood pressure and vascular factors can also contribute to the development of the condition.
In this post, your local optometrist, Eyes on Norbeck discusses how blood pressure affects glaucoma.
Usual Risk Factors
Family history, age and ethnicity are some of the common risk factors of glaucoma. The higher your blood pressure, the more you’re at risk of the disease. This is why managing your blood pressure is important.
However, keep in mind that elevated eye pressure isn’t the sole cause of glaucoma. Majority of people with high blood pressure may never develop glaucoma.
Different studies suggest that around 40% of glaucoma patients have normal eye pressure. Though pressure is significant in glaucoma, it doesn’t determine the development of the disease.
Whether you’re at risk of glaucoma or not, it’s important to routinely visit your eye specialist for an eye exam for early detection and treatment.
Ocular Perfusion
There’s evidence that ocular perfusion pressure is a great risk factor for glaucoma. It is the relationship between eye pressure and blood pressure.
If you have low blood pressure and elevated eye pressure, it’s difficult for the blood to reach the eye and supply oxygen and nutrients. This also means difficulty in removing waste products in the eyes.
People with normal eye pressure may naturally have low blood pressure or as a result of high blood pressure treatment. The eye then doesn’t get enough blood flow.
The body naturally adapts to changes in blood pressure and body position to keep a constant circulation in the brain and eyes. However, some don’t have this ability, and so the tissues in the body may not be adequately nourished and may be damaged.
You may improve low ocular perfusion by lowering the eye pressure or increasing the blood pressure. While lowering the eye pressure supports glaucoma treatment, there isn’t evidence that supports increasing the blood pressure.
Blood pressure and ocular perfusion pressure management are helpful for patients whose glaucoma is still progressing despite having controlled eye pressure.
Consult with your eye doctor to determine the proper treatment for your condition. Visit Eyes on Norbeck for a comprehensive eye exam. We also offer eyeglasses, specialty lenses and contact lenses. Call us at
