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BACKGROUND: Approximately 40% of all open-angle glaucomas do not show high intraocular pressure (IOP). Vascular risk factors play an important role in the pathogeneses of normal pressure glaucoma but high pressure glaucoma is also often accompanied by significant vascular components. OBJECTIVE: What are the practice relevant possibilities of vascular glaucoma treatment? MATERIAL AND METHODS: An evaluation of scientific articles from PubMed dealing with vascular glaucoma was carried out. RESULTS: The treatment of vascular risk factors in glaucoma patients requires a thorough medical history regarding vascular symptoms (peripheral vasospasm, tinnitus, migraine etc.) and information on the presence of systemic diseases. Furthermore, a 24h blood pressure profile and the determination of the fat metabolism status represent important and simple examinations. CONCLUSION: Besides optimizing systemic blood pressure, reducing an increased central retinal venous pressure, treatment with statins, calcium channel blockers, Ginkgo biloba extract, increased physical exercise and fluid replacement are options to ameliorate vascular conditions. An interdisciplinary cooperation with general practitioners and internists is an important component of holistic treatment.
Universitätsaugenklinik Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307, Dresden, Deutschland. karin.pillunat@uniklinikum-dresden.de.
Full article6.11 Bloodflow measurements (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods)