Correlation of Intraocular Pressure and Random Blood Glucose Level in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Abstract

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a multifactorial chronic optic neuropathy, characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), leading to structural damage to the optic nerve head (ONH), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), with visual field defects. This study was carried out at the Department of Optometry Teaching Clinic, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria to determine the correlation between intraocular pressure and blood glucose levels in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. A total of 37 subjects, 14 males and 23 females were used for the study. The Accu Chek glucometer was used to measure the random blood glucose level and the intraocular pressure was measured using the Perkins applanation tonometer. Results showed that the mean intraocular pressure was 16.57±3.97 while the mean random blood glucose level was 168.43±108.48. SPSS version 23 data analysis using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance and 95% confidence interval revealed that there was no correlation between intraocular pressure level and random blood glucose level (P > 0.05). It was recommended that patients with primary open-angle glaucoma should frequently monitor their blood glucose levels. Keywords: Intraocular Pressure, Random Blood Glucose, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, Diabetes Mellitus