Longitudinal changes in the thickness of the ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer in patients with hypertension: a 4‐year prospective observational study

Purpose Hypertension (HTN) is expected to accelerate age‐related ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (GC‐IPLs) reduction, but there is limited information on the reduction rate of GC‐IPLs in HTN patients. We investigate longitudinal changes in the thickness of GC‐IPL in patients with HTN. Methods We performed a prospective, longitudinal and observational study design. Participants were divided into two groups: HTN group (49 eyes) and control group (56 eyes). After the initial visit, GC‐IPLs were measured four times at 1‐year intervals using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography. The GC‐IPL reduction rate was estimated using a linear mixed model and compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate generalized linear mixed models were used to identify factors associated with reductions in GC‐IPLs over time. Results In a linear mixed model, the GC‐IPL reduction rates for the HTN and control groups were −0.64 (p