The Effect of Ocular Perfusion Pressure on Retinal Thickness in Young People with Presumed Systemic Hypotension

• Main Authors: Naazia Vawda, Alvin Munsamy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
• Series: Vision
• Subjects: systemic hypotension; glaucoma; ocular perfusion pressure; ganglion cell complex; retinal nerve fiber layer
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5150/5/3/36

Low ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) may increase the risk of optic neuropathy. This study investigated the effects of OPP on the ganglion cell complex (GCC) and optic nerve head-retinal nerve fibre layer (ONH-RNFL) thickness in presumed systemic hypotensives (PSH). Fifteen participants with PSH and 14 controls underwent automated sphygmomanometry and Icare tonometry to calculate OPP: mean OPP (MOPP), systolic OPP (SOPP), and diastolic OPP (DOPP). ONH-RNFL and macula GCC thickness were evaluated using the Optovue iVue optical coherence tomographer. Statistical analysis comprised independent <i>t</i>-tests, the Mann–Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis. There was no significant difference when comparing ONH-RNFL and macula GCC thickness between both groups. Increased MOPP (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.27–0.97; <i>p</i> = 0.039) and SOPP (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64–0.98; <i>p</i> = 0.035) were significantly associated with a decreased risk of reductions in GCC total thickness. Increased SOPP (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01–0.89; <i>p</i> = 0.027) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of reductions in the average ONH-RNFL thickness. The study found no significant retinal thickness changes in PSH’s, in comparison to the controls. The study established that, by increasing MOPP and SOPP, there was a decreased risk of reductions in the total GCC thickness and average ONH-RNFL thickness. Higher SOPP may decrease the possibility of retinal thinning of the GCC and ONH-RNFL. However, higher MOPP may decrease the odds of thinning of the GCC before ONH-RNFL changes.