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This abstract is assigned to session BGS: Belgian Glaucoma Society

Title

Pfizer award/FRO: Structural and functional arterial properties in normal-tension glaucoma

Purpose	The majority of published studies dealing with blood flow in glaucoma, using different techniques, report a reduced ocular perfusion. This is more pronounced in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). The blood flow reduction involves the optic nerve head, the choroid, the retina, the retrobulbar and the peripheral circulation. The exact cause is not known, but current evidence suggests that a main factor is a general vascular dysregulation. In recent years, great emphasis has been placed on the role of arterial stiffness in cardiovascular research. The objective of this study is to assess structural and functional arterial properties in patients with NTG.
Methods	In a cross-sectional study the structural and functional arterial properties of NTG patients are compared with those of an age- and gender-matched control group without glaucoma. Known disturbing factors are excluded. Different indices of arterial stiffness are assessed using ultrasound and arterial applanation tonometry. Local arterial stiffness (distensibility and cross-sectional compliance) and intima-media thickness are measured at the common carotid, brachial and common femoral artery. The carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity is calculated to determine regional arterial stiffness. The augmentation index and central pulse-wave analysis are estimated from the pressure waveform of the common carotid artery.
Results	Study in progress.
Conclusion	This study investigates the structural and functional arterial properties in NTG and may have relevance in the understanding of the general vascular dysregulation in NTG.

Author 1

Last name	HEIREMAN
Initials	S
City	Ghent

Author 2

Last name	STEVENS
Initials	AM
City	Ghent

Author 3

Last name	SEGERS
Initials	P
City	Ghent

Author 4

Last name	VAN BORTEL
Initials	LM
City	Ghent

Author 5

Last name	KESTELYN
Initials	P
City	Ghent