Curt Ekström

Risk factors for incident open‐angle glaucoma: a population‐based 20‐year follow‐up study

Purpose: To study the effect of potential risk factors on the development of open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) in a population in which pseudoexfoliation (PEX) is a common finding.

Pseudoexfoliation as a risk factor for prevalent open-angle glaucoma

Purpose:  To estimate the risk of open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) associated with exposure to pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and increased intraocular pressure (IOP).

Incidence of open‐angle glaucoma in central Sweden

Purpose:  To estimate the incidence rate of open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) in a population in which pseudoexfoliation is a common finding.

Pseudoexfoliation and Alzheimer´s disease: a population-based 30-year follow-up study

Purpose:  To determine the effect of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) on the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a population in which PEX is a common finding. The relationship between open‐angle glaucoma (OAG) and AD was also studied.

Pseudoexfoliation and mortality: a population-based 30-year follow-up study

To study the relationship between pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and all‐cause mortality in a population in which PEX is a common finding.

The effect of metoprolol on intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma. A pilot study.

Eleven patients with previously untreated glaucoma of one eye were given metoprolol, 50 mg × 3 for one day. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and heart rate were significantly reduced during treatment, and increased after withdrawal of the drug. In the eyes with glaucoma, the mean IOP was reduced from 30.1 to 20.6 mmHg during treatment. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also reduced during treatment, but stayed at the same level after withdrawal of the drug. It is concluded that at least part of the reductions observed for IOP and heart rate are drug‐induced, while the effect on blood pressure is mainly induced by factors other than the drug. The effect on IOP is considered large enough to be of clinical interest.

Pseudoexfoliation and cataract surgery: a population-based 30-year follow-up study

To study the relationship between pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and cataract surgery in a population in which PEX is a common finding.

Open-angle glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease: a population-based 30-year follow-up study

bevacizumab treatment – yet, it is unclear whether this was due to the reduction of choroidal lesions or secondary neovascularization. We know from bone marrow and cell line studies that myeloma cells contribute to tumour growth via VEGF secretion (Kumar et al. 2003). In this regard, we found VEGF-A expression in choroidal tissue, which may explain the treatment response to bevacizumab. Although choroidal biopsies are inevitable to confirm presumed diagnosis, only small tissue samples are required. Surgical damage may be avoided using small biopsy forceps or 23-gauge cutters. Laser coagulation is a destructive treatment and does not alter the underlying pathology of this generalized disease, thus laser coagulation of retinal lesions due to plasmacytoma should be avoided. Taken together, the systemic haematooncological treatment remains the basic therapy in patients with choroidal involvement of multiple myeloma and anti-VEGF might be used as adjunctive treatment.

Pseudoexfoliation and aortic aneurysm: a long-term follow-up study

To study the relationship between pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and aortic aneurysm in a population with a high prevalence of PEX.