Gender and racial differences in ocular and systemic vascular biomarkers and contrast sensitivity of open-angle glaucoma patients

Abstract

Purpose : To investigate differences in the relationship between ocular and systemic vascular biomarkers in male and female open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients of African (AD) and European (ED) descent.

Methods : This analysis included a total of 131 confirmed early to moderate OAG patients (99 ED, 32 AD) evaluated for: intraocular pressure (IOP) via Goldmann tonometry, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressures (SBP/DBP/MAP) via automated ambulatory sensor, and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP=2/3MAP-IOP), systolic OPP (SOPP=SBP-IOP), diastolic OPP (DOPP=DBP-IOP), and mean OPP (MOPP=MAP-IOP) were calculated. In addition, visual contrast sensitivity (CS) detection via Vector Vision Systems was assessed. Measurements were evaluated between AD and ED and between male and female OAG patients using unpaired t-tests with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results : In the overall sample of all OAG patients (both AD and ED), biomarkers of systemic blood pressure and various calculations of OPP were significantly higher in males compared to females (p=0.000-0.032). Additionally, OAG patients of AD had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures and corresponding OPP compared to those of ED (p=0.008-0.047). In all OAG patients, male OAG subjects had higher CS detection compared to females, OAG patients of ED had higher CS detection than OAG patients of AD, and female OAG patients of ED had higher CS detection compared to female OAG patients of AD (p<0.05, all comparisons).

Conclusions : In this cohort of OAG patients, biomarkers of systemic and ocular perfusion were significantly different between male and female OAG patients of AD and ED. Specifically, systemic blood pressure and calculations of OPP were significantly higher in male compared to female OAG patients as well as in OAG patients of AD compared to ED. Higher CS detection was found in male compared to female OAG patients and in OAG patients of ED compared to AD. Individualized approaches to glaucoma management that consider patient demographics including gender and race may improve the precision of patient care.

This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.