Lamina Cribrosa Defects Research Articles

Multimodal imaging of optic nerve head abnormalities in high myopia.

Highly myopic optic nerve head (ONH) abnormalities encompass a series of complications resulting from the stretching of papillary and peripapillary structures during significant axial elongation. The morphological changes in the ONH typically initiate with disk tilting or rotation, progressing to PHOMS and PPA. Tissue defects in each layer manifest as focal lamina cribrosa defects (FLDs), peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitations (PICCs), and acquired pits of the optic nerve (APON). Anterior vitreous/vascular traction and posterior scleral protrusion may lead to prelaminar schisis as well as paravascular cysts and holes, which can potentially develop into retinoschisis. Traditional color fundus photography (CFP) is often insufficient for visualizing most of these lesions, yet their description and quantification benefit significantly from the advancements in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), complemented by fundus autofluorescence (FAF), indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), and three-dimensional imaging. The effective diagnosis and classification of ONH abnormalities heavily rely on a comprehensive understanding of their multimodal imaging features, as outlined in this review. These findings provide valuable insights into optic neuropathy in high myopia, establishing a solid foundation for future endeavors in disease monitoring and treatment guidance.

Optic Disc Microvasculature Dropout in Preperimetric Glaucoma.

Optic disc microvasculature dropout (MvD-D) was associated with worse disease severity in pre-perimetric glaucoma. MvD-D was not accompanied by focal lamina cribrosa defect or parapapillary deep-layer microvasculature dropout in 62.3% and 71.0% of eyes, respectively. To investigate factors associated with optic disc microvasculature dropout (MvD-D) in patients with preperimetric primary open angle glaucoma (PPG). One hundred thirty nine eyes of PPG patients were categorized according to the presence of MvD-D with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Factors including visual field (VF) mean deviation (MD), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defect, optic disc hemorrhage (DH), and parapapillary deep-layer microvasculature dropout (MvD-P) were compared between eyes with and without MvD-D. MvD-D was observed in 69 PPG eyes (49.6%). Compared with eyes without MvD-D, the ones with MvD-D had a significantly thinner RNFL in all areas except the nasal sector, worse VF MD, and a focal LC defect and MvD-P ( P <0.05): male gender also was more highly prevalent. A considerable number of eyes with MvD-D lacked focal LC defect (62.3% [43/69]) or MvD-P (71.0% [49/69]), while a few eyes without MvD-D had focal LC defect (10.0% [7/70]) or MvD-P (2.9% [2/70]). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, male gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.96; P <0.001), worse VF MD (OR, 1.44; P =0.019), thinner global RNFL (OR, 1.13; P <0.001), higher prevalence of focal LC defect (OR, 3.71; P =0.014) and MvD-P (OR, 7.85; P <0.001) were significantly associated with MvD-D. MvD-D was related to worse disease severity in patients with PPG, and often was not accompanied by focal LC defect or MvD-P. This suggests that impaired optic disc circulation can be an early sign of glaucoma without noticeable changes in functional or structural features (i.e., VF, focal LC defect, MvD-P).

Optic nerve head factors associated with initial central visual field defect in primary open-angle glaucoma

We investigated optic nerve head factors associated with initial parafoveal scotoma (IPFS) in primary open-angle glaucoma. Eighty (80) patients with an IPFS and 84 patients with an initial nasal step (INS) were compared. Central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT) deviation from the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) center was measured as a surrogate of lamina cribrosa (LC)/BMO offset, and its obliqueness was defined as the absolute value of angular deviation from the fovea-BMO axis. Proximity of retinal nerve fiber layer defect (RNFLD) was defined as the angular deviation of the inner RNFLD margin from the fovea-BMO axis. Microvasculature dropout (MvD) was defined as a focal sectoral capillary dropout with no visible microvascular network identified in the choroidal layer. Factors associated with IPFS, as compared with INS, were assessed using logistic regression analyses and conditional inference tree analysis. The IPFS group had more oblique CRVT offset (P < 0.001), RNFLD closer to the fovea (P < 0.001), more MvD (P < 0.001), and more LC defects (P < 0.001) compared to the INS group. In logistic regression analyses, obliqueness of CRVT offset (P = 0.002), RNFLD proximity (P < 0.001), and MvD (P = 0.001) were significant factors influencing the presence of IPFS. Conditional inference tree analysis showed that RNFLD closer to the fovea (P < 0.001) in the upper level, more oblique CRVT offset (P = 0.013) and presence of MvD (P = 0.001) in the lower level were associated with the probability of having IPFS. IPFS was associated with closer RNFLD location to the fovea when assessed from the BMO. Oblique LC/BMO offset may not only mask RNFLD proximity to the fovea due to a deviated funduscopic disc appearance, but also potentiate IPFS via focal LC defect and MvD.

Papillomacular bundle defect (PMBD) in glaucoma patients with high myopia: frequency and risk factors

Little is known about the papillomacular bundle defect (PMBD) in glaucoma. As such, we investigated the frequency of PMBD in glaucoma patients with high myopia, and its risk factors. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect was analyzed in 92 glaucomatous eyes with high myopia (axial length of 26.0 mm or more or an average spherical value of − 6.0 diopters or less). After dividing them into two groups with and without PMBD, the clinical characteristics of the groups were compared and analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 52.1 ± 10.5 years, and there were 53 males and 39 females. PMBD were observed in 55 eyes (59.8%). There was no significant intergroup difference in baseline or follow-up intraocular pressure (IOP). Parapapillary atrophy (PPA)-to-disc-area ratio (OR 3.83, CI: 1.58–10.27, p = 0.010), lamina cribrosa defect (LCD; OR 2.92, CI: 1.14–8.13, p = 0.031) and central visual field defect (CVFD; OR 3.56, CI: 1.38–9.58, p = 0.010) were significantly associated with the PMBD..

Deep Optic Nerve Head Morphology in Tilted Disc Syndrome and Its Clinical Implication on Visual Damage.

To study deep optic nerve head (ONH) morphology in tilted disc syndrome (TDS) and identify factors associated with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect. In patients with TDS, we evaluated the optic disc shape using the Bruch's membrane opening (BMO)-anterior scleral canal opening (ASCO) offset and measured the border tissue (BT) length, depth, and angle in the direction of the tilt, using radial ONH optical coherence tomography (OCT). We compared the parameters between the TDS groups with and without RNFL defects. Twenty-one eyes had no glaucomatous RNFL defect, and 38 eyes had a glaucomatous RNFL defect. The group with RNFL defects had a higher baseline IOP, larger tilt axis of BMO-ASCO optic disc margin (76.4° ± 14.5° vs. 87.9° ± 15.4°, P = 0.012), larger BMO-lamina cribrosa insertion (LCI) angle (25.6° ± 9.3° vs. 43.6° ± 15.2°, P < 0.001), and more lamina cribrosa (LC) defects (4.3% vs. 30.6%, P = 0.028) than without RNFL defects. The tilt axis and BMO-LCI angle were significant factors after adjusting for baseline IOP and LC defect. The BMO-LCI angle had excellent diagnostic power for glaucomatous RNFL defect in TDS, similar to the visual field mean deviation. OCT-based large deep ONH BT angle and tilt axis were factors associated with the presence of RNFL defects in TDS. The results suggest a mechanism of RNFL defect associated with structural ONH deformation. Further investigations are warranted to understand the role of ONH structures in a general population with and without optic disc tilt.

Optical coherence tomographic findings of glaucomatous eyes with papillomacular retinoschisis.

To investigate the relationship between the shape of the optic nerve head (ONH) margin detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the clinical characteristics of glaucomatous eyes with papillomacular retinoschisis (PMRS). The medical record of patients with a PMRS in a glaucomatous eye were reviewed. The eyes were placed into two groups determined by the shape of the ONH margin in the OCT images; eyes with an externally oblique ONH margin (Group 1) and eyes with an internally oblique ONH margin (Group 2). We compared the clinical characteristics of the PMRS of these two groups. We studied 31 eyes of 29 patients with PMRS and glaucoma with 24 eyes in Group 1 and 7 eyes in Group 2. The optic nerve fibrelayer schisison the lamina cribrosa (LC), beta zone, and gamma zone, and found that the LC defects were detected significantly more frequently in Group 1 than in Group 2 eyes (P < 0.05). A retinal nerve fibre schisis was observed around the ONH significantly more frequently in Group 2 than in Group 1 eyes (P < 0.01). The cases of glaucoma-associated PMRS could be classified into two groups according to the obliquity of the ONH. They had differences in the findings of OCT and FA. The possibility that the mechanism of PMRS development is different in both groups is suggested.

Severe macular complications in glaucoma: high-resolution multimodal imaging characteristics and review of the literature

PurposeTo describe imaging characteristics of severe macular complications occurring in glaucoma and discuss available treatments.MethodsRetrospective case series of glaucomatous patients with macular retinoschisis (MR) and/or serous retinal detachment (SRD). Patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination and multimodal imaging including retinography, SD-OCT, fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (FA & ICGA) and adaptive optics (AO).ResultsTen eyes (8 patients) were included. Initial BCVA was 1.04 ± 1.12 logMAR and IOP was 24.0 ± 9.3mmHg. All eyes presented with MR while SRD was present in 5 eyes (5 patients), with a central macular thickness of 573 ± 152 μm. FA and ICGA allowed to exclude leakage in all cases. A focal lamina cribrosa defect (LCD) was found in four eyes (4 patients) using OCT, with AO providing en-face visualization of the defect in one eye. Outer retinal hole was present in 3 eyes (3 patients). No visual improvement or resolution of the macular retinoschisis was observed in eyes with medical or surgical IOP control (N = 9). Vitrectomy with internal membrane limiting peeling and gas tamponade was performed in one eye with good visual results.ConclusionsMultimodal high-resolution imaging is essential to diagnose severe macular complications associated with advanced glaucoma.

Role of Optic Nerve Head Characteristics in Predicting Intraocular Pressure Spikes after Cataract Surgery in Highly Myopic Eyes.

To evaluate the characteristics of optic nerve head (ONH) in highly myopic eyes and its role in predicting intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes after cataract surgery. Patients who are highly myopic andwere scheduled for cataract surgery were enrolled in this prospective case series study. IOP was measured preoperatively and at 1day and 3days postoperatively. ONH characteristics including area, tilt ratio, lamina cribrosa (LC) thickness, and depth, and the presence of LC defects were evaluated with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Factors influencing LC defects and early IOP spike were investigated using multivariate stepwise logistic regression. In total, 200 highly myopic eyes of 200 patients were analyzed: 35.00% had small ONH, 53.00% had ONH tilt, and 14.00% had LC defects. Multivariate analysis demonstrated female patients with larger ONH area and deeper LC tended to have LC defects (all P < 0.05). As to postoperative IOP, IOP change, and incidence of IOP spikes, eyes with small ONH, ONH tilt, and LC defects had similar (all P > 0.05), higher (all P < 0.05), and lower (all P < 0.05) outcomes compared with those without the corresponding characteristic, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that presence of LC defects and thicker LC were protective factors for early IOP spikes, and axial length > 28mm was a risk factor (all P < 0.05). Female patients with larger ONH area and deeper LC tend to have LC defects, which, together with thicker LC, was correlated with less IOP spikes in highly myopic eyes. This study was conducted as part of a larger project, the Shanghai High Myopia Study, registered at www. gov (accession number NCT03062085).

Lamina Cribrosa Morphology in Normal-tension Glaucoma According to the Location of Visual Field Defects.

The morphological alterations in lamina cribrosa may be related to the location of visual field defects. The aim of this study was to investigate morphologic differences in the lamina cribrosa (LC) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) according to the location of visual field (VF) defects. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Ninety-six eyes of 96 patients with NTG were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the location of VF defects (parafoveal scotoma [PFS] and peripheral nasal step [PNS]). All patients underwent an optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic disc and macula using swept-source OCT (DRI-OCT Triton; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). The parameters of the optic disc, macula, LC, and connective tissues were compared between the groups. The relationships between the LC parameters and other structures were analyzed. The temporal peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, average macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer, and average macular ganglion cell complex were significantly thinner in the PFS than in the PNS group (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.012, respectively). The PFS group showed a more glaucomatous LC morphology with a smaller lamina cribrosa-global shape index (LC-GSI, P=0.047), more LC defects (P=0.034), and thinner LC (P=0.021) than the PNS group. LC-GSI was significantly correlated with LC thickness (P=0.011) but not with LC depth (P=0.149). In patients with NTG, those with initial PFS showed a more glaucomatous LC morphology than those with initial PNS. The morphological differences in LC may be related to the location of the VF defects.

Deep learning-based 3D OCT imaging for detection of lamina cribrosa defects in eyes with high myopia

The lamina cribrosa (LC) is a collagenous tissue located in the optic nerve head, and its dissection is observed in eyes with pathologic myopia as a LC defect (LCD). The diagnosis of LCD has been difficult because the LC is located deep beneath the retinal nerve fibers. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and three-dimensional shape of LCDs in highly myopic eyes. Swept-source OCT scan images of a 3 × 3-mm cube centered on the optic disc were obtained from 119 eyes of 62 highly myopic patients. Each LC was manually labelled in cross-sectional OCT images along the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. A deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) was trained with the manually labeled images, and the trained DCNN was applied to the detection of the LC in every image in each plane. Three-dimensional images of the LC were generated from the labeled image of each eye. The results showed that LCDs were detected in 12 of the 42 (29%) eyes in which an LC was visible. The LCDs ran vertically at the temporal edge of the optic disc. In conclusion, 3D OCT imaging with the application of DCNN is helpful in diagnosing LCDs.

Characteristics of the Optic Nerve Head in Myopic Eyes Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography.

PurposeTo investigate the characteristics of the optic nerve head (ONH) in myopia using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).MethodsParticipants were divided into three groups according to the axial length (AL). The optic disc morphology, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density (VD), optic disc tilt, rotation, Bruch's membrane opening distance (BMOD), border length (BL), border tissue angle, focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defects, β- and γ-zone peripapillary atrophy (PPA), microvasculature dropout (MvD), choroidal thickness (CT), and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were compared. Linear regression analysis evaluated relationships between spherical equivalent, AL, and ONH parameters.ResultsOne hundred five, 98, and 118 eyes were included in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. With AL increasing, the mean, superior and temporal CT, central mean and temporal, pericentral mean, inferior and nasal RPC VD, and temporal CVI decreased, whereas the mean and temporal RNFL thickness, optic disc, RIM and β-PPA area, presence and area of γ-PPA, BMOD and BL increased. Compared to other groups, group 3 depicted a larger cup area, more focal LC defect and total and juxtapapillary MvD; a lower central superior, inferior and nasal, pericentral superior, and temporal RPC VD. Group 1 demonstrated more tilted disc, larger inferior and nasal CT, mean, superior, inferior, and nasal CVI.ConclusionsMyopia eyes have larger ONH changes, PPAs, regional RNFL, and MvD, but smaller regional CTs, RPC VD, and CVIs. SS-OCT may be useful in detecting ONH variations during myopia.

Structural Abnormalities in the Papillary and Peripapillary Areas and Corresponding Visual Field Defects in Eyes With Pathologic Myopia.

PurposeTo identify structural abnormalities in the papillary and peripapillary area in eyes with pathologic myopia (PM) and normal IOP and to determine their relationship to visual field (VF) defects.MethodsOne hundred eight eyes of 70 patients with PM were retrospectively studied. The disc-centered swept source optical coherence tomographic images and the Goldmann VF recorded within 1 year of the optical coherence tomographic examination were analyzed. Four structural abnormalities were identified: lamina cribrosa (LC) defects, ridge protrusions, intrachoroidal cavitations (ICC), and prelaminar schisis. The correspondence of the VF defects with the structural abnormalities was assessed.ResultsThe mean age, axial length, and optic disc area of the 108 eyes were 58.7 ± 10.0 years, 31.1 ± 2.4 mm, and 4.7 ± 2.2 mm2, respectively. Eighty-five of the 108 eyes (78.7%) had at least one abnormality and 49.4% (42/85) had two or more abnormalities. LC defects, ridge protrusions, ICC, and prelaminar schisis were detected in 47.2%, 33.3%, 21.3%, and 30.6% of the eyes, respectively. VF defects at the corresponding areas of these structural abnormalities were seen in 63% of the eyes with LC defects, 39% of the eyes with ridge protrusions, and 21% of the eyes with ICC.ConclusionsFour kinds of structural abnormalities with corresponding VF defects are commonly observed in the papillary and peripapillary region of eyes with PM. The presence of these abnormalities suggests a possibility of functional damage.

Association between peripheral visual field defects and focal lamina cribrosa defects in highly myopic eyes.

We aimed to identify peripheral visual field (VF) defect pathogenesis in high myopia using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry and to investigate the association between focal lamina cribrosa defects (fLCDs) and high myopia-specific peripheral visual field defects (HM-pVFDs). Retrospective case-control study. Thirty-five highly myopic patients (refractive error ≥ 8.0 D or axial length > 26.5mm) with an HM-pVFD, diagnosed using the V-4 isopter in Goldmann perimetry, and 35 age- and 35 sex-matched controls were studied. The optic nerve head (ONH) morphology was analyzed by use of OCT; retinal light sensitivities around the ONH were evaluated by use of microperimetry. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), refractive error, intraocular pressure (IOP), the OCT findings, and the microperimetry findings. The BCVA, AL, IOP, and refractive error did not differ significantly between the patient and the control groups. Of the 35 eyes with an HM-pVFD, twenty-four had fLCDs detected by use of OCT, one showed no evidence of fLCDs, and ten had inadequate images due to excessive ONH tilting. Of the 35 control eyes, two had fLCDs, twenty-eight showed no evidence of fLCDs, and five had inadequate images. The peripapillary retinal light sensitivity was decreased in 29 of the 35 eyes with an HM-pVFD; no such decrease was noted in 30 of the 35 control eyes. Peripheral VF abnormality detection by use of microperimetry had 82.9% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity. Our findings indicate an important relationship between HM-pVFDs and fLCDs, suggesting fLCD involvement in peripheral VF abnormality pathogenesis in highly myopic patients. Furthermore, microperimetry is reproducible for evaluating HM-pVFDs.

The Utility of Ocular Imaging in Traumatic Optic Nerve Avulsion: A Case Report

Objective: To describe a detailed presentation and the utility of ocular imaging, both ocular ultrasound and orbital computed tomography (CT), to confirm the diagnosis of traumatic ONA in which megadose steroid would give no advantage. Case Presentation: A five-year-old boy came with a unilateral sudden visual loss after incidentally falling with his left eye struck to a handlebar of a parked bicycle. His left eye had no light perception, ophthalmoplegia, and showing 4+ relative afferent pupillary defect. A hallmark "pit" sign and a pale retina without a tear were noted. B-scan ocular ultrasound displayed retinal step sign, vitreous hemorrhage in front of the optic canal, lamina cribrosa defect, edematous retina, and retracted optic nerve. Orbital computed tomography scan showed a disruption of the optic nerve-globe junction. Steroid infusion was decided not to be given. Conclusion: Ocular imaging, especially ultrasound, along with a thorough examination, is satisfactorily adequate to confirm the diagnosis of traumatic ONA.

Prevalence of focal lamina cribrosa defects in eyes with pachychoroid disease spectrum.

To determine the prevalence of focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defect among patients with pachychoroid disease spectrum (PDS) in the absence of peripapillary retinoschisis. This retrospective, cross-sectional study comprised of 180 patients with PDS, including polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), central serous chorioretinopathy, and pachychoroidal neovasculopathy. Medical records and optic nerve head evaluations conducted using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging were reviewed. As a control group, 236 patients who underwent ophthalmologic evaluation for vitreous floaters, without obvious ocular disease, were also included. The mean age of the PDS group, which included 118 male patients (65.6%), was 57.4±11.1y. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age (P=0.710) or sex (P=0.248). Six patients (3.3%) in the PDS group and none in the control group showed focal LC defect (P=0.318). Among the six patients with focal LC defect in the PDS group, four eyes had PCV, one eye was the fellow eye of a PCV eye, and one eye had pachychoroidal neovasculopathy. Focal LC defect can be defected in patients with PDS in the absence of peripapillary retinoschisis. However, the prevalence of focal LC defect was not different significantly between PDS patients and those who did not have PDS.

The Importance of Optical Coherence Tomography and Autofluorescence in the Documentation of Papillary Colobomatous Fossette

Aims: To describe the importance of optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence in the documentation of papillary colobomatous fossette.&#x0D; Presentation of Case: F.D.O. A 14-year-old male student is referred for evaluation of the fundus of the eye due to an alteration in the optic disc noticed by another professional who did not feel safe in the follow-up. The patient was completely asymptomatic at the time of the consultation and did not claim previous visual complaints.&#x0D; She denied systemic and ocular comorbidities and did not use any systemic and topical medication.&#x0D; Discussion: The congenital optic disc pit is a rare and typically unilateral congenital anomaly, consisting of a retinal herniation that extends into the subarachnoid space through a lamina cribrosa defect. 8,13,15,16&#x0D; Although this condition, in most cases, does not present complications and remains asymptomatic, it can sometimes worsen with a significant decrease in visual acuity. This more serious condition can be characterized by important macular alterations, such as serous retinal detachment, cystic degenerations and degenerative pigmentary alterations. 14,16,17,18 The patient in the present report did not have any visual complaints and did not present severe structural and functional retinal damage, which highlights the importance of early diagnosis.&#x0D; Conclusions: The colobomatous papilla pit is characterized by the presence of isolated cavities in the optic disc head secondary to a developmental disorder of the primitive epithelial papilla.&#x0D; Its incidence is 1:10,000 people without sexual or racial predilection. It presents, in most cases, asymptomatic, unilateral in 85-95% of cases and rarely with more than one pit per disc.

The Association between Myopia and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Previous studies identified myopia as a risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). However, recent studies have shown different results, and the definitive relationship between myopia and POAG remains controversial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between myopia and POAG. Methods: Published articles were searched from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases between 1970 and 2020. A pooled analysis of the odds ratios (ORs) was performed using a random-effects model. Results: Data on the association between myopia and POAG were obtained from 16 cross-sectional studies, and the pooled OR was 2.26 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77–2.89, p < 0.001) in random-effects model (I² = 86%; p < 0.01). For the relationship of myopia and POAG progression, data from 7 longitudinal cohort studies were included, and the pooled OR was 0.85 (95% CI, 0.73–0.99, p = 0.042) in the random-effects model (I² = 88%; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that myopia may be a risk factor associated with POAG and a possible protective factor for POAG progression. It may be due to myopia with the presence of a lamina cribrosa defect, slowing down the visual field loss and also POAG progression. Further research for underlying mechanisms is still needed.

Effects of Beta-zone Peripapillary Atrophy and Focal Lamina Cribrosa Defects on Peripapillary Vessel Parameters in Young Myopic Eyes.

The development of beta-zone peripapillary atrophy (β-PPA) and focal lamina cribrosa defect (FLD) was significantly associated with decreased peripapillary optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) vessel parameters in young myopic eyes. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether β-PPA and FLD affect peripapillary vessel density (VD) or perfusion density (PD) from OCTA in young myopic eyes. In a cross-sectional study, 330 eyes of 165 healthy volunteers with myopia were involved. Eyes underwent OCTA to measure peripapillary PD and VD. Eyes were grouped according to the presence of β-PPA or FLD: eyes without β-PPA or FLD (group A), eyes with β-PPA but without FLD (group B), and eyes with both β-PPA and FLD (group C). PD and VD were compared among 3 groups, and linear mixed-effect regression model was used to investigate the determinants of PD. β-PPA was found in 219 eyes (66.4%), and FLD was detected in 27 eyes (8.2%). The average VD and PD were greatest in group A (19.13±2.04 mm-1 and 0.375±0.038), followed by group B (18.34±2.26 mm-1 and 0.363±0.042) and group C (16.71±2.81 mm-1 and 0.330±0.052) (P<0.001). The linear mixed-effect model demonstrated that presence of FLD (P=0.001) or β-PPA (P<0.001), FLD count (P=0.004), and maximal β-PPA width (P<0.001) were significantly associated with average PD after controlling for multiple confounding factors. Development of β-PPA and FLD, which is closely related with axial elongation in myopic eyes, was significantly associated with reduced OCTA vessel parameters in young myopic eyes. OCTA may help to detect vascular changes and assess glaucoma risk in these eyes.

Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Lamina Cribrosa: Structural Biomarkers in Nonglaucomatous Diseases.

The lamina cribrosa (LC) is an active structure that responds to the strain by changing its morphology. Abnormal changes in LC morphology are usually associated with, and indicative of, certain pathologies such as glaucoma, intraocular hypertension, and myopia. Recent developments in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have enabled detailed in vivo studies about the architectural characteristics of the LC. Structural characteristics of the LC have been widely explored in glaucoma management. However, information about which LC biomarkers could be useful for the diagnosis, and follow-up, of other diseases besides glaucoma is scarce. Hence, this literature review aims to summarize the role of the LC in nonophthalmic and ophthalmic diseases other than glaucoma. PubMed was used to perform a systematic review on the LC features that can be extracted from OCT images. All imaging features are presented and discussed in terms of their importance and applicability in clinical practice. A total of 56 studies were included in this review. Overall, LC depth (LCD) and thickness (LCT) have been the most studied features, appearing in 75% and 45% of the included studies, respectively. These biomarkers were followed by the prelaminar tissue thickness (21%), LC curvature index (5.4%), LC global shape index (3.6%), LC defects (3.6%), and LC strains/deformations (1.8%). Overall, the disease groups showed a thinner LC (smaller LCT) and a deeper ONH cup (larger LCD), with some exceptions. A large variability between approaches used to compute LC biomarkers has been observed, highlighting the importance of having automated and standardized methodologies in LC analysis. Moreover, further studies are needed to identify the pathologies where LC features have a diagnostic and/or prognostic value.

Intereye Comparison of Focal Lamina Cribrosa Defect in Normal-Tension Glaucoma Patients with Asymmetric Visual Field Loss

Introduction: To evaluate the association of focal lamina cribrosa (LC) defect with asymmetric visual field (VF) loss in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) through intereye comparisons. Methods: Paired eyes were divided into better and worse eyes according to the mean deviation (MD), and ocular parameters were compared between them. Furthermore, patients in the asymmetric group were classified as subgroup A (one eye with LC defect and the fellow one without), subgroup B (both eyes without LC defect), and subgroup C (both eyes with LC defect). Generalized estimation equation approach was used to evaluate the association between ocular parameters and asymmetric VF. Results: A total of 140 eyes of 70 NTG patients were included in the asymmetric group. LC defects were more common in better eyes than that in worse eyes (27/70 [38.57%] vs. 10/70 [14.29%], p = 0.001), and all eyes with LC defect had myopia. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of LC defect was significantly associated with better eyes in the asymmetric group (odds ratio, 0.27; p = 0.001). For subgroup A, eyes with LC defects exhibited lower peak IOP (p = 0.011) and lower mean IOP (p = 0.018) than the fellow eyes without. In addition, longer AL (p = 0.025) and larger tilt ratio (p = 0.032) were found in eyes with LC defects. For subgroup B without LC defects, larger tilt ratio was shown to be a risk factor for VF loss (odds ratio, 6.13; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference of binocular parameters except for MD (p < 0.001) in subgroup C. Conclusions: LC defects in myopia were suggested to be associated with better eyes in NTG with asymmetric VF loss. However, in patients without LC defect, larger tilt ratio was a risk factor for VF defect. There might be different pathological mechanisms in asymmetric VF loss for different NTG subtypes.