Ocular pulse amplitude and associated glaucomatous risk factors in a healthy Hispanic population

BACKGROUND: With increasing evidence that vascular risk factors play a role in the development of glaucoma, it is critical to be familiar with factors related to intraocular blood flow, such as the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA). This study evaluates OPA and factors related to it in a healthy, Hispanic population. METHODS: Refractive error, corneal curvature, Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), dynamic contour tonometry (DCT), OPA, axial length, and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements were obtained on 104 Hispanic subjects recruited from the community. RESULTS: OPA ranged from 0.7 to 4.7 mmHg (mean, 2.1 +/- 0.8 mmHg) and showed a significant correlation with refractive error, axial length, GAT, and DCT (r=0.250, -0.358, 0.460, 0.378; P=0.011, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). Mean intraocular pressure with GAT was 15.6 mmHg. Mean CCT was 541.2 mu m. The average refractive error was 0.75 diopters (D) of myopia, with 25% having >1.00 D Myopia. CONCLUSION: Normal OPA values have not been studied in Hispanic populations. OPA is thought to provide information regarding ocular blood flow; however, more studies are needed to determine its significance in glaucoma treatment. Optometry 2010;81:408-413