Retinal venous pressure measurements in patients with Flammer syndrome and metabolic syndrome

Abstract Background The purpose of this research is to analyze retinal venous pressure (RVP) of both eyes of patients who visited a Swiss ophthalmic practice and compare values among the following groups of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), Flammer syndrome (FS), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods RVP was measured in both eyes of all patients who visited a Swiss ophthalmic practice during March 2016 till November 2016, and the results were analyzed retrospectively. All measurements were performed by one physician by means of ophthalmodynamometry. Ophthalmodynamometry is done by applying an increasing pressure on the eye via a contact lens. The minimum force required to induce a venous pulsation is called ophthalmodynamometric force (ODF). The RVP is defined and calculated as the sum of ODF and intraocular pressure (IOP) [RVP = ODF + IOP]. Results Spontaneous central retinal venous pulsation was present in the majority of the patients (192 out of 357, 53.8%). Spontaneous RVP rate was significantly negatively correlated with age (r = −0.348, p < 0.001). A significantly increased RVP was noted in FS, MetS, and POAG patients, particularly those POAG patients who also suffered from FS (p < 0.005). Conclusions Although most patients had a spontaneous RVP, those with FS, POAG, and MetS had increased RVP. Measuring RVP by means of ophthalmodynamometry provides predictive information about certain ocular diseases and aids in instituting adequate preventive measures.