Ambulatory 24-h Blood Pressure Measurement in Patients with Glaucoma

The arterial blood pressure is an important determinant for the development and progression of glaucoma. Some relevant information can be obtained only by ambulatory 24-h blood pressure measurement (ABPM). White-coat hypertension can be excluded by ABDM and the variability of blood pressure during 24 hours can be assessed. 24-h mean blood pressure should be < 130/80 mmHg. In contrast, diastolic blood pressure values below 60 mmHg during the night have been identified as a progression factor in glaucoma, as well as reductions of night-time systolic blood pressure of less than 10% (non-dipper) and of more than 20% (extreme dipper). The significance of the 24-h blood pressure profile for the cooperation of ophthalmology and internal medicine is discussed.