2nd Edition of Preventive Medicine World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. While elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) remains the principal modifiable risk factor, increasing evidence suggests that vascular dysregulation and impaired ocular blood flow play a crucial role in disease onset and progression. Retinal venous pressure (RVP), measured non-invasively by ophthalmodynamometry, has emerged as a potential biomarker reflecting ocular microcirculatory health. The present work explores the preventive value of RVP assessment in glaucoma management.

Methods: Clinical observations and data obtained from patients undergoing comprehensive glaucoma evaluation were analyzed, including measurements of IOP, retinal venous pressure, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, visual field testing, and ocular imaging. RVP values were compared with structural and functional indicators of glaucomatous damage and with established cardiovascular risk factors.

Results: Patients with glaucoma frequently demonstrated elevated retinal venous pressure despite normal or only moderately increased intraocular pressure. Increased RVP was associated with reduced ocular perfusion pressure, progressive retinal nerve fiber layer loss, and visual field deterioration. These findings support the concept that venous outflow impairment and vascular dysregulation contribute significantly to glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Early identification of abnormal RVP may allow targeted preventive interventions, including optimization of systemic vascular risk factors and strategies aimed at improving ocular microcirculation.

Conclusions: Retinal venous pressure represents a promising preventive biomarker for glaucoma risk stratification and disease monitoring. Incorporating RVP assessment into routine ophthalmic examinations may facilitate earlier detection of vulnerable patients, improve individualized management, and support a broader preventive medicine approach that integrates ocular and systemic vascular health. Future prospective studies are warranted to establish standardized RVP thresholds and evaluate their predictive value for glaucoma progression.