Selected glaucoma risk factors and their role in disease progression. Part II – systemic and vascular factors

Abstract

The aim of this article is to summarise recent knowledge regarding selected glaucoma risk factors and to provide a brief description of the possible interaction mechanism. According to the vascular theory of glaucoma, glaucoma is linked with inadequate vascular perfusion. The article mostly refers to the most common disease variant-primary open angle glaucoma and focuses on factors which primarily affect vascular component, including certain systemic conditions which may alter blood circulation. The analysed vascular factors include systemic diseases such as diabetes, as well as blood pressure (affecting ocular blood flow), autonomous dysfunction, ocular perfusion pressure and vascular endothelial dysfunction.

Effect of repeated endurance exercise on intraocular pressure in healthy subjects: a prospective pilot study based on a 500-km swim relay

“…Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Importantly, it is an avoidable visual impairment; therefore, potential prevention strategies are crucial [1][2][3]. The primary risk factor for glaucoma development is an elevated intraocular pressure and associated fluctuations that lead to gradual dysfunction of the optic nerve [1][2][3].…”