THE EFFECT OF HEMODYNAMIC FACTORS ON THE ONSET AND PROGRESSION OF PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA (literature review, part I)

Abstract

Objective: to systematize the present-day conceptions of the effect of hemodynamic factors at level of the whole organism and cerebral blood flow on the onset and development of primary open-angle glaucoma. Key points: 1. General disorders of vascular blood flow cause local changes in eye hemodynamics with the subsequent development of degenerative processes in eye tissues, including the drainage unit and optic nerve. 2. The common risk factors contributing to the development of glaucoma, include violation of systemic blood flow, i.e. arterial hypotension, hypertension, vasospasm, hemodynamic crises, hemorheology disturbances, etc. 3. The structural parts of the eye are sensitive to the parameters of cerebral blood flow. The risk factors for glaucoma development are the lack of cerebral circulation (both arterial and venous circulatory distress), stenotic and atherosclerotic lesions of carotid, ophthalmic, ciliary arteries). 4. The POAG patients reveal the arterial vascular disorders specific to carotid and vertebral abnormalities. Conclusion. Not only local factors, but also the violations of general and cerebral hemodynamics influence the development of glaucoma.