In this study, we evaluated systemic hemodynamic factors of normal tension glaucoma.
MethodsForty patients with normal tension glaucoma and thirty healthy people were investigated with regard to hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Also, ET-1 and MCP-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.
ResultsThe results of the blood examinations showed no statistically significant differences in hemoglobin, hematocrit, RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and hsCRP. Only triglycerides showed a statistically significant difference between the groups ( P =0.03). The level of serum ET-1 was significantly higher in the normal tension glaucoma group ( P =0.007). The results of MCP-1 showed no statistically significant difference.
ConclusionsWe conclude that normal tension glaucoma Is associated with an increased level of triglycerides and that the level of ET-1 could be a hemodynamic cause of normal tension glaucoma.