A number of observations revealed that the haemodynamic alteration may contribute to pathogenesis of glaucomatous neuropathy. Endothelial dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis impaired the endothelial dependent vasodilatation.
Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between the endothelial dysfunction (assessed by plasma NO level) and carotid stenosis degree în primary open angle-glaucoma patients.
Methods: Carotid ultrasonography and plasma NOx level (nitrite and nitrate) were obtained from 3 groups of patients: group 1-patients with primary open angle-glaucoma and carotid stenosis; group 2-patients with carotid stenosis and group 3-healthy subjects.
Results: A significant lower NO level (compared with group 3) and a significant higher carotid stenosis (compared with group 2) were found în primary open angle-glaucoma patients. There was a significant correlation between the NOx level and carotid stenosis.
Conclusions: Assessing the carotid atherosclerotic plaques may be benefical for the patients with primary open angle-glaucoma. Pharmacological neuroprotection with NO precursors may be useful for the patients with carotid stenosis associated with primary open angle-glaucoma.