UNLABELLED: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a syndrome of progressive optic neuropathy characterized by optic nerve head excavation and visual field defects. Poor correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and progression of glaucoma disease puts vascular mechanism in the center of attention. By color Doppler sonography, quantification of blood flow changes in the vessels which supplying optic nerve head is possible.AIM: To examine the antiglaucomatous action of selective-blockers by color Doppler sonography.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients (88 eyes) were divided into two groups: group 1 treated with selective beta-blockers and group 2 treated with nonselective beta-blockers. Vascular indices (RI, PI) were measured in the central retinal artery and posterior ciliary arteries.RESULTS: Decreased blood flow and increased vascular indices were found in both groups, with a statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2. Blood flow velocity was higher and vascular indices were lower in group 1 (Betoptic 0.5%) than in group 2 (Timolol 0.5%).CONCLUSIONS: beta-blockers, selective (betaxolol-calcium channel blockers) have more potent vasoactive and neuroprotective action. Color Doppler sonography is useful in the quantification of blood flow changes in the vessels in patients with POAG.
Adult Aged