Abstract
Purpose :
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is based on the balance between production and outflow of aqueous humour. The outflow of the aqueous humour is affected by the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal. In primary open angle glaucoma (pOAG) debris in the trabecular meshwork might lead to an increase in IOP.
The hypothesis of the current study is to analyse, if elderly patients that are frequently exposed to vibrations such as spending time in cars or planes have a lower IOP as vibrations might lead to a better outflow rate as debris are released from the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal.
Methods :
IOP data and profession was analysed in 88 subjects. Data was collected in a local optometry practice in Heikendorf, Germany. In a subgroup of 26 subjects the average distance driven per year was self-reported by each subject and recorded.
The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of the study population was 59 ± 13 years, ranging from 29 to 89 years and 47% of the study population were females.
IOP was measured using an auto non-contact tonometer (AT550, Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, USA). IOP of right eyes were considered for the study only.
Professions were clustered into two groups based on exposure to vibrations (no vibrations and vibrations).
Results :
The mean ± SD IOP in the no vibration group was 15.1 ± 2.5 and 14.5 ± 1.9 in the vibration group. A Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.73).
The correlation between IOP and average distance driven per year for the sub-group was not significant.
Conclusions :
In the present cohort of patients with normal IOP no difference could be observed based on exposure to vibrations. Further work is needed to identify potential differences in patients with high IOPs, esp. in patients with a primary open angle glaucoma (pOAG). Another aim is to identify better factors to measure vibrations that patients are exposed to.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.