J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2019 Nov;60(11):1089-1097. 10.3341/jkos.2019.60.11.1089.

Associations between Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defect and Systemic Indices According to the KNHNES 2010–2012

• Jung SH
• Jeon S
• Park CK
• Park HY

• KMID: 2463360
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2019.60.11.1089

Abstract

PURPOSE
To investigate the associations between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects and systemic factors in the Korean population.
METHODS
Based on data from the 5th Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2010-2012), 2,999 non-glaucomatous patients and 424 glaucoma patients were included. We compared body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and blood test values according to the presence and location of RNFL defects in the groups and analyzed whether these defects were associated with various underlying diseases.
RESULTS
In the non-glaucomatous group, RNFL defects were significantly and linearly related with BMI (p = 0.035), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.018), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p < 0.001), serum ferritin (p = 0.008), and RNFL defects were also significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001), hypertension (p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (p = 0.003), a history of myocardial infarction or angina (p = 0.037), and migraines (p = 0.004). In the glaucoma group, patients who had superior RNFL defects had a significantly lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.034) than patients who had inferior RNFL defects. The other systemic indices did not differ significantly between these two subgroups. Superior RNFL defects were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.047) and a history of cerebrovascular accident (p = 0.031).
CONCLUSIONS
RNFL defects in both the non-glaucomatous and glaucoma groups were associated with systemic factors. We could identify that the possibility of RNFL defects can be deduced from these systemic abnormalities and active treatment is needed in abnormal systemic condition.

Keyword

Blood pressure; Diabetes mellitus; Hypertension; Retinal nerve fiber layer defect

MeSH Terms

Blood Glucose
Blood Pressure
Body Mass Index
Diabetes Mellitus
Dyslipidemias
Fasting
Ferritins
Glaucoma
Hematologic Tests
Humans
Hypertension
Migraine Disorders
Myocardial Infarction
Nerve Fibers*
Retinaldehyde*
Stroke
Blood Glucose
Ferritins
Retinaldehyde

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