A Study Of Ocular Perfusion Pressure Amongst Young Adults In Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria

Background: Ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) represents the pressure difference between arterial blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP), playing a critical role in maintaining adequate blood flow to the optic nerve head. While OPP has been extensively studied in older adult populations, data on OPP characteristics and its determinants among young adults remain limited, particularly in sub-Saharan African populations. This study investigated OPP among young adults in Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A purposive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 young adults aged 18- 35 years (45 males, 55 females). Systemic blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer while intraocular pressure was assessed using Goldmann applanation tonometry. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and ocular perfusion pressure were calculated. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression at p<0.05. Results: The overall mean OPP was 44.0 ± 6.4 mmHg, with mean OPP for the right eye at 44.5 ± 6.3 mmHg and left eye at 43.6 ± 6.7 mmHg. OPP showed a strong positive correlation with MAP (r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and a moderate negative correlation with IOP (r = -0.56, p < 0.001). Variation in OPP across age groups (F=1.54, p=0.197) and gender (F=0.42, p=0.516) was not statistically significant. MAP significantly predicted OPP (β = 0.70, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Ocular perfusion pressure in young adults is significantly influenced by systemic blood pressure and intraocular pressure. These findings support the clinical relevance of OPP as an integrative hemodynamic parameter in young adults. Routine assessment of OPP, particularly in individuals with elevated IOP or systemic vascular abnormalities, may aid in early detection of individuals at risk of ocular perfusion compromise