Beta-blockers in patients with lower MAPs significantly associated with glaucoma

In patients with mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 93 (blood pressure < 120/80), the use of systemic beta-blockers was significantly associated with glaucoma, according to a poster presented at the 2020 AAO Virtual Meeting.

Researchers used data from 4025 respondents of the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to investigate the relationship between self-reported blood pressure medications and glaucoma.

The use of systemic beta-blockers was significantly associated with glaucoma in patients with MAP < 93 (blood pressure < 120/80). In these patients, there was a 4% increase in the odds of having glaucoma. Diabetes and age-related macular degeneration were also significantly associated with glaucoma, whereas high cholesterol or statin use was not, according to the presentation.

Reference
Lin WV, et al. Glaucoma, Blood Pressure and Medications: Insights From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Presented at: 2020 AAO Virtual Meeting.