Blood flow velocity measurements in the optic nerve of glaucomatous patients by elaboration of a constant to evaluate the evolutive risk.

METHODS: We performed Echo color Doppler examinations on 100 glaucomatous patients (197 eyes). Ophthalmic artery and central retinal artery were particularly considered. The study included eyes in every level and type of glaucoma, and in various types of treatment (topical therapy, Argon laser trabeculoplasty, Argon/YAG/surgical iridectomy, trabeculectomy). The parameters we considered were: ocular tension, anterior chamber angle, optic disc excavation, visual field, refraction and vascular risk factors. We measured the flow values of the ophthalmic artery and of the central retinal artery, i.e. maximal systolic velocity, diastolic velocity and vascular resistance index. RESULTS: We observed that if we divide the value of ocular tension by the systolic velocity and multiply the result by the resistance index, we obtain a number which may be considered as a prognostic factor of evolutive risk. We compared our cases with a population free from glaucomatous and cardiovascular problems.