Systemic Endothelial Function in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Objective. We aimed to assess peripheral vascular endothelial function in open-angle glaucoma (POAG) by measuring flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Materials and Methods. The study included 20 cases with POAG (group 1, mean age 58.68 ± 13.3 years) and 30 healthy individuals (group 2, mean age 58.68 ± 13.6 years). In all cases, responses of endothelial function were assessed by a cardiologist through measurement of FMD following brachial artery occlusion. Results. Mean percent of FMD, an indicator of endothelial function, was found to be 11.9 ± 4.2% in group 1 and 12.3 ± 4.4% in group 2 (P = 0.86). Conclusion. No impairment in systemic vascular function of cases with POAG suggests that POAG could be a local disorder rather than being a component of systemic disease.