Study of the influence of gender and blood pressure on intraocular pressure in South Indian population

Abstract

Background and Aim: Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness and visual impairment worldwide, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is considered as an important risk factor. Recently, the blood pressure (BP) has been identified as a modifiable risk factor for the genesis of glaucoma. Therefore, the present work was conducted to assess the relationship between IOP and BP and the gender difference in IOP. Methods: A total of 180 subjects aged between 30 and 60 years attending the outpatient department of Ophthalmology and Medicine of A.J Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore were recruited for the study. BP was recorded in supine position, and IOP was recorded using Schiotz tonometer. Results: All the values were expressed as mean and standard deviation. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. IOP was higher in women compared to men. Systolic BP and diastolic BP were positively correlated with IOP. Conclusion: Increase in BP increases the IOP, and subjects with hypertension are at increased risk for genesis of ocular hypertension. Thus, a population‑based screening for raised IOP can reduce the prevalence of glaucoma, especially in hypertensive subjects.