Low Ocular Perfusion Pressure Values at Rest and during Resistance Exercise in Offspring of Glaucoma Patients

Purpose: To compare the ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) response during physical exercise in individuals with and without a family history (FH+, FH-) of glaucoma.

Methods: Thirty-four subjects, divided into FH+ and FH- groups, realized 3 min at rest, 3 min of isometric handgrip exercise at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, followed by 3 min of recovery. Blood pressure (Dixtal^® automatic device) and intraocular pressure (Goldmann applanation tonometer) were measured during rest, exercise, and recovery. The mean OPP (mOPP) was calculated.

Results: In the FH+ group (17 subjects), baseline mOPP values were significantly lower than in the FH- group (17 subjects) (right eye: P < 0.001, left eye: P < 0.001, respectively). During exercise, both the FH+ and FH- groups showed a similar increase in mOPP in both eyes (right eye: FH+: 38 ± 4 mmHg vs. 51 ± 7 mmHg, FH-: 48 ± 5 mmHg vs. 57 ± 9 mmHg, P < 0.001; left eye: FH+: 39 ± 3 mmHg vs. 51 ± 7 mmHg; FH-: 46 ± 5 mmHg vs. 58 ± 8 mmHg, P < 0.001, respectively). However, the FH+ group maintained significantly lower mOPP values compared to the FH- group in the right and left eyes (group effect: P = 0.002, P = 0.002, respectively). The percentage of increase in mOPP in the FH+ group was greater compared to the FH- group during exercise (right eye: 34.1% ± 15.9% vs. 22.1% ± 13.2%, respectively; P = 0.025; left eye: 33.2% ± 17.7% vs. 22.4% ± 13.7%, respectively, P = 0.056).

Conclusions: mOPP increased during physical exercise in both groups, but the FH+ group had lower absolute values. In addition, the FH+ group appears to demonstrate a higher percentage increase in mOPP compared to the FH- group.