Systemic hypertension and ocular perfusion parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma. A hospital-based case-control study.

Authors

  • Dr. Banoth Kavitha Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Mahabubabad, Telangana, India
  • Dr . R Prameela Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  • Dr. Shaik Mohammed Pervaiz Hussain Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2310

Keywords:

Primary open-angle glaucoma, Systemic hypertension, Diastolic perfusion pressure, Intraocular pressure

Abstract

Background
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a major cause of irreversible blindness globally. Although multiple systemic and ocular factors contribute to its development, the influence of systemic hypertension and ocular perfusion parameters remains inconsistent across studies.

Objectives
To assess systemic hypertension as a risk factor for POAG and to evaluate the association between diastolic perfusion pressure and POAG.

Method

The study included 300 participants aged over 40 years, comprising 150 hypertensive patients and 150 age- and sex-matched non-hypertensive controls. All subjects underwent comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation, including intraocular pressure measurement, optic disc assessment, visual field analysis, and central corneal thickness measurement. Data on diabetes mellitus, myopia, and family history of glaucoma were collected. Diastolic perfusion pressure was calculated as diastolic blood pressure minus intraocular pressure. POAG was diagnosed using standard clinical criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between risk factors and POAG.

Results
The mean age of participants was 53.8 ± 8.5 years, with male predominance. The overall prevalence of POAG was 9.0%. Age ≥60 years showed a significant association with POAG (p = 0.001). Diabetes mellitus demonstrated a borderline association (p = 0.05), while a positive family history of glaucoma was significantly associated with POAG (p = 0.03). Systemic hypertension and myopia did not show independent associations with POAG. The mean diastolic perfusion pressure was lower among POAG patients compared to non-POAG participants (63.3 ± 8.1 mmHg vs 64.8 ± 9.0 mmHg), but this difference was not significant (p = 0.26).

Conclusion
Advancing age and family history emerged as the strongest predictors of POAG, while systemic hypertension alone was not an independent risk factor, highlighting the multifactorial etiology of the disease.

Recommendations
Targeted glaucoma screening is advised for older adults, individuals with diabetes mellitus, and those with a family history of glaucoma to enable early detection and intervention.

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Banoth Kavitha, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Mahabubabad, Telangana, India

    MBBS, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Government Medical College and General Hospital, Mahabubabad, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS followed by a Master of Surgery (MS) in Ophthalmology and is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Her clinical interests include glaucoma, anterior segment disorders, and comprehensive ophthalmic care. She has a keen interest in clinical research, with particular focus on the role of systemic and vascular factors in glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Dr. Kavitha contributes to academic activities, patient care, and research aimed at improving early diagnosis and management of preventable causes of visual impairment. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6555-1203

  • Dr . R Prameela, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

    MBBS, MS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS followed by an MS in Ophthalmology and is actively engaged in tertiary eye-care services and academic teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate trainees. Her clinical interests include comprehensive ophthalmology with focus on early detection and management of glaucoma, anterior segment disorders, and evidence-based ophthalmic practice. She has contributed to clinical research and academic activities aimed at strengthening diagnostic precision and improving visual outcomes in high-volume public hospital settings. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5205-2451

  • Dr. Shaik Mohammed Pervaiz Hussain, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India

    MBBS, MS is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. He completed his undergraduate medical training (MBBS) followed by postgraduate specialization (MS) in Ophthalmology, developing strong expertise in comprehensive clinical ophthalmology. His academic interests include the diagnosis and management of anterior segment disorders, corneal diseases, and community-based ophthalmic care. Dr. Hussain is actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, clinical supervision, and patient care at a tertiary-care teaching hospital. He also contributes to academic research and institutional activities, with a focus on improving evidence-based ophthalmic practice and visual health outcomes. ORCID iD:  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5439-5156

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Published

2025-12-22

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 12 (2025): December 2025 issue

Section

Section of Ophthalmology Research

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Banoth Kavitha, Dr . R Prameela, Dr. Shaik Mohammed Pervaiz Hussain

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Systemic hypertension and ocular perfusion parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma. A hospital-based case-control study. (2025). Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 6(12), 9. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2310

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