Systemic autonomic neuropathy in open-angle glaucoma.

Systemic autonomic nerve function was assessed in 67 patients with open-angle glaucoma and 76 age- and sex-matched control subjects, using a series of well-established tests based upon cardiovascular reflex responses to standardised stimuli. Parasympathetic neuropathy was present in 37.3% of open-angle glaucoma patients compared with 2.6% of the control group. Demonstration of a significant association between autonomic neuropathy and primary glaucoma may provide a logical rationale for the efficacy of autonomic medication in glaucoma therapeutics; the prognostic implications are discussed.