Relationship between normal tension glaucoma and Flammer syndrome

BACKGROUND: Besides intraocular pressure, vascular factors play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. One of these potential vascular factors is Flammer syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to determine in a Korean population whether signs and symptoms of Flammer syndrome occur more often in normal tension glaucoma patients than in control subjects. METHODS: Two hundred forty-six normal tension glaucoma patients and 1116 control subjects responded to a multiple-choice questionnaire asking about 15 signs and symptoms of Flammer syndrome. RESULTS: Seven of the 15 signs and symptoms of Flammer syndrome (increased drug sensitivity, good smell perception, reversible skin blotches, tinnitus, long sleep onset time, tendency to perfectionism, and cold hands/feet) were significantly more often positive in normal tension glaucoma patients than in controls. Six additional signs and symptoms (migraines, low blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, increased pain sensation, and feeling cold) also occurred more often, but did not reach statistical significance. Only two items (low body weight and reduced feeling of thirst) were more frequently (not significant) positive in the controls. CONCLUSION: There is an association between normal tension glaucoma and Flammer syndrome. If future studies confirm this relationship, treatment of Flammer syndrome may help to prevent normal tension glaucoma or to slow down its progression.