Abstract

Our study included 71 patients (38 males and 33 females) with diagnosed open angle glaucoma and 71 healthy persons in the control group. Their age ranged from 45 to 70. The patients and healthy persons were divided into three groups: I group - 45-55 years old persons, II group - 55-65 years old persons, III group - 65-75 years old persons. Their examination included ophthalmologic and hormonal research. To evaluate the function of gonads, we measured the concentrations of estrogens (oestradiol, oestron) and gonadotropines (LH, FSH) in the plasma of patients and control groups by radioimmunoassay method. The level of oestradiol was decreased in I and II groups of women and in I group of men. The level of oestron was decreased in only I and III groups of men. LH was decreased in men's III group and in women's II group. So, there are some changes in secretion of sex hormones as well as in their regulation. The findings confirm the role of sex hormones in the regulation of IOP. According to our data, the investigation of the hormonal status of patients with glaucoma is desired for complete understanding of glaucoma etiology, pathogenesis and for finding a new way in glaucoma treatment as well.