Visual Field Changes Research Articles

OCT ANGIOGRAPHY AND DOPPLER SONOGRAPHY IN NORMAL-TENSION GLAUCOMA.

To investigate the dependence of blood vessel density and velocity in ophthalmic artery and arteria centralis retinae of the same eye in patients with normotensive glaucoma. The sample consisted of 20 patients with normotensive glaucoma (NTG). There were 17 women (mean age 56.1) and 3 men (mean age 60 years). Inclusion criteria for study: visual acuity 1.0 with correction up to ±3 dioptres, approximately equal changes in the visual field, whereby it was incipient NTG and diagnosis was confirmed by electrophysiological examination, without further ocular or neurological disease. Parameters of vessel density (VD) were evaluated by Avanti RTVue XR (Optovue). Perfusion parameters such as peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) were evaluated for ophthalmic artery (AO) and arteria centralis retinae (ACR) using Doppler sonography (Affinity 70G Philips, probe 5-12 MHz). Visual field (VF) was evaluated by automated perimeter (Medmont M700) using fast threshold glaucoma strategy test. The sum of sensitivity levels in apostilb (asb) were evaluated in range 0-22 degrees of visual field. Resulting values of VF were compared with VD and perfusion parameters in AO and ACR at the same eye. Pearsonscorrelation coefficient was used to evaluate the dependence. Data shows, that changes in visual fields are mainly caused by peripapillary VD of small and all vessels, and vessels throughout measured image area also. Correlation of small vessels throughout measured image area was weak (r=0.23). Moderate negative correlation was found for PSV in AO and peripapillary small VD (r=-0.46), all peripapillary VD (r=-0.49), VD in whole area (r=-0.45), then between EDV in AO and VD in whole area (r=-0.42). Other correlations between VD and perfusion parameter were insignificant. Study confirms, that changes of visual field in NTG patients are mainly caused by VD rather than perfusion parameters, especially in AO. Perfusion parameters in ACR are not significantly correlated with changes of VF in NTG patients.

Comparison of Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy Versus Trabeculectomy With Mitomycin C in Patients With Open-angle Glaucoma.

Trabeculectomy (TRAB) lowers the intraocular pressure (IOP) more than gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) at 18 months, with a reduction in IOP of 30% or more and a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma medications compared with baseline. To compare the IOP-lowering efficacy of GATT with mitomycin-C augmented TRAB in patients with uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma. Single-center, retrospective, comparative cohort study. One hundred ten consecutive patients (110 eyes) underwent GATT (n=61) or TRAB (n=49). The primary outcome measure was IOP reduction, defined as a percentage decrease ≥30% and absolute IOP≤18 mm Hg at 18 months with (qualified) or without (complete) medications. Secondary outcomes were visual field change, number of glaucoma medications, complications, and reintervention. The mean±SD baseline IOP was 30.04±7.5 and 27.59±4.70 (P=0.072) with the mean number of medications of 3.08±0.73 and 2.92±0.91 (P=0.310) in TRAB and GATT, respectively. At 18 months, the mean±SD IOP was 15.26±3.47 mm Hg and 12.48±4.58 mm Hg after GATT and TRAB, respectively (P=0.002). The percentage of IOP lowering from baseline was 56.05±17.72 after TRAB and 42.04±15.56 after GATT (P<0.001). Percentages of complete and qualified success were 59% and 27% after TRAB and 46% and 31% after GATT (P=0.353). No change in visual field loss was observed in both groups. The mean reduction in medications was 2.3±1.4 and 2.1±1.5 in TRAB and GATT, respectively (P=0.493). The most frequent complication after TRAB was hypotony and after GATT hyphema. Reintervention occurred in 8.2% of cases after TRAB and in 14.8% after GATT (P=0.341). IOP lowering was greater after TRAB than after GATT at 18 months with a significant reduction in the number of medications after both procedures. Complications and reintervention occurred equally in both groups but differed in type.

Changes to central visual fields in cases of severe myopia in a Chinese population.

Severe myopia (SM) is commonly defined as a refractive error that exceeds -10.0 diopters (D). To date, however, studies focusing on visual field changes in eyes affected by SM remain scarce. The present study aims to characterize changes to central visual fields in the presence of SM among Chinese individuals and to provide evidence for enabling early diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in cases of SM. The data of 26 cases (44 eyes) involving Chinese individuals with SM were collected using a Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer 750i. The following aspects were identified: types of visual field defects in the probability map of pattern standard deviation, the features of patterns in visual field defects in four quadrants, the frequencies of scotomas, and the proportions of relative scotomas. (I) Among all visual field defects, 95.45% were found to be relevant to selected ocular fundus changes; (II) the proportion of relative scotomas was 65.02%. The two major types of visual field scotomas were the enlargement of the physiologic blind spot (43.20%) and central scotoma (38.64%), while additional types included nasal step defects (18.18%), paracentral scotomas (13.64%), and temporal sector-shaped defects (9.09%). The proportions for scotomas in the four quadrants were: 38.74% (superior temporal quadrant), 25.87% (inferior temporal quadrant), 19.32% (superior nasal quadrant), and 16.07% (inferior nasal quadrant). (I) Visual field analysis should be conducted alongside consideration of fundus changes. The bulk of visual field defects were found to be relative scotomas. (II) Scotomas in SM patients were mainly due to the enlargement of a physiological blind spot and central scotomas, and nasal arch-shaped scotomas presented as arc-shaped damage. (III) Abnormal scotomas were detected most frequently in the inferior temporal quadrant.

The Relationship Between Asymmetries of Corneal Properties and Rates of Visual Field Progression in Glaucoma Patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetries in rates of glaucoma progression and asymmetries of corneal properties between eyes of subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma. This prospective study followed 126 binocular subjects with glaucoma for an average of 4.3±0.8 years. CH was measured at baseline using the Ocular Response Analyzer. Standard automated perimetry (SAP) and intraocular pressure were measured at baseline and every 6 months. Rates of visual field progression were calculated using ordinary least square regression of SAP mean deviation (MD) values over time for each eye. Eyes were defined as "better" and "worse" based on the slopes of SAP MD. Pearson correlation test, and univariable and multivariable regression models were used to investigate the relationship between inter-eye asymmetry in CH and central corneal thickness and inter-eye differences in rates of visual field progression. Only asymmetry of CH was significantly associated with the asymmetry in SAP MD rates of change between eyes (r=0.22; P=0.01). In a multivariable model adjusting for age, race, central corneal thickness, mean intraocular pressure and baseline disease severity, CH asymmetry remained significantly associated with asymmetric progression (P=0.032). CH asymmetry between eyes was associated with asymmetry on rates of visual field change, providing further support for the role of CH as a risk factor for glaucoma progression.

Predicting Lifetime Transition Risk of Severe Visual Field Defects Using Monte Carlo Simulation in Japanese Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PurposeTo maintain visual fields and quality of life over a lifetime, medical practice must be conducted taking into consideration not only visual field progression but also future visual field changes that occur over the patients’ expected lifespan. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of establishing a model that predicts prognosis, estimating the proportion of glaucoma patients with severe visual field defects.Patients and MethodsThe data of 191 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, with a predominance of normal-tension glaucoma, were used for this study. The model was developed based on patients’ backgrounds and risk factors, using Monte Carlo simulation. A “severe visual field defect” was defined as ≤-20 dB. The mean deviation (MD) value for 10,000 virtual patients in each simulation pattern (144 patterns) was calculated using a predictive formula to estimate the MD slope, and the effects of risk factors and intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction on the proportion of patients with severe visual field defects were evaluated.ResultsYounger age, later-stage disease, more severe glaucomatous structural abnormalities and the presence of disc hemorrhage were associated with an increase in the progression rate of patients with severe visual field defects. Conversely, lower IOP was associated with a decrease in this rate.ConclusionCombining regression analysis with Monte Carlo simulation could be a useful method for developing predictive models of prognosis in glaucoma patients.

Optical coherence tomographic assessment of disc changes and automated perimetric assessment of visual field changes after glaucoma filtration surgery

The study was conducted to find out the topographic changes of disc, macular thickness, visual field, and intra-ocular pressure (IOP) after trabeculectomy in different age and sex using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machine, automated perimeter and Goldman applanation tonometer respectively.It was a prospective, interventional case-series conducted at the glaucoma clinic at Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Kolkata from March 2010 to August 2011. Patients of primary open angle glaucoma who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The trabeculectomy surgeries were done by a single surgeon. The disc changes, macular thickness, IOP and visual field changes were measured before and after trabeculectomy. Preoperative OCT images of disc and macula, visual field testing by Humphrey automated perimeter and IOP by Goldman applanation tonometry were done/within 3 months prior to surgery and same investigations had been done postoperatively within 2 to 3 months after surgery. Data was collected in a standard data collection form and analysis was done by paired t-test.Significant visual field (mean deviation-MD &amp; pattern standard deviation-PSD in decibel) changes were seen but the nerve fiber thickness in the disc and macula were not increased. Significant reduction of IOP was found after trabeculectomy. Significant visual field (MD&amp; PSD) changes were found after trabeculectomy in early glaucoma patients but disc and macular changes were found to be insignificant.

Longitudinal Evaluation of the Structural and Functional Changes Associated with Glaucoma in Myopia.

This study ascertains that myopia is a risk factor for glaucoma progression among eyes with primary open angle glaucoma. Myopic eyes with primary open angle glaucoma may benefit from measurement and incorporation of axial length information into clinical decision making. The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of change in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the rate of change in visual field of glaucoma patients with and without myopia. We conducted a prospective, observational cohort study where we analyzed 245 eyes of 135 glaucoma patients followed for a mean period of 6.08 years. All the subjects had RNFL imaging and standard automated perimetry performed for both eyes in the same visit every 4 months for at least 60 months. The rate of change of average RNFL thickness and visual field index (VFI) was -0.29 μm/y (95% confidence interval, -1.80 to +1.23 μm/y) and -0.30%/y (95% confidence interval, -2.24 to +1.64%/y), respectively, after adjusting for age, axial length, IOP, baseline RNFL thickness, signal strength, and correlation between fellow eyes. Axial length, as a continuous variable, was not associated with the rates of change of average RNFL thickness and VFI. However, high myopic eyes with axial lengths of ≥26.0 and ≥26.5 mm had an average rate of change of RNFL thickness of 0.15 and 0.16 μm/y faster than eyes with axial lengths of less than 26 and 26.5 mm, respectively. Similarly, myopic eyes with an axial length of ≥26.5 mm were associated with a 0.21%/y faster rate of VFI reduction. Both RNFL and visual field progression rates are faster in myopic glaucomatous eyes with an axial length of ≥26.5 mm than in eyes <26.5 mm. However, the small difference that supports high myopia as a risk factor for progression does not indicate the clinical importance or significance of axial length.

Using the Rate of Glaucomatous Visual Field Progression in One Eye to Help Assess the Rate in the Fellow Eye

Risk factors for visual field progression in glaucoma can affect both eyes, meaning that progression rates (in decibels per year) between eyes likely are correlated. We investigated whether incorporating information about the progression rate in one eye can improve the estimate of the rate in the fellow eye. Prospective cohort analysis. We analyzed series of 10 visual field results drawn from the Portland Progression Project and the Rotterdam Eye Study. We determined visual field progression rates using linear regression of the summary index mean deviation (MD) over time. We determined best-fitting linear models for the rates over the entire series based on the rate across n visual fields (n= 3 to 6) and used an analysis of variance to determine if incorporating the fellow eye's level of visual field damage (MD) or rate significantly improved these models. Visual field progression rate (in decibels per year). Visual field progression rates were correlated positively between eyes for the 262 individuals analyzed (r= 0.51; P < 0.0001). For short series (n= 3 to 4), predicting the rate over the entire 10 fields was improved significantly by incorporating rate information from the fellow eye (P < 0.05), but not by incorporating knowledge about the level of damage in the fellow eye (P > 0.61). The fellow eye no longer aided predictions for n= 5 or 6 fields (P= 0.11 and P= 0.42, respectively). Although the coefficient quantifying the influence of the fellow eye's rate changed relatively little for n= 3 to 5 fields, the coefficient for the rate of the eye under consideration increased markedly with the n value. The long-term rate of visual field change in an eye is, in part, predicted by the rate in the fellow eye, particularly when only a few visual field results are available for each eye. Because of this, apparent rapid progression in an eye is more likely to be real if the fellow eye also seems to be progressing rapidly.

Improving the Detection of Glaucoma and Its Progression: A Topographical Approach.

Glaucoma is typically defined as a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by a specific (arcuate) pattern of visual field (VF) and anatomic changes. Therefore, we should be comparing arcuate patterns of damage seen on VFs with those seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) maps. Instead, clinicians often use summary metrics such as VF pattern standard deviation, OCT retinal nerve fiber (RNF) global thickness, etc. There are 2 major impediments to topographically comparing patterns of damage on VF and OCT maps. First, until recently, it was not easy to make these comparisons with commercial reports. While recent reports do make it easier to compare VF and OCT maps, they have shortcomings. In particular, the 24-2 VF covers a larger retinal region than the commercial OCT scans, and, further, it is not easy to understand the topographical relationship among the different maps/plots within the current OCT reports. Here we show how a model of RNF bundles can overcome these problems. The second major impediment is the lack of a quantitative, and automated, method for comparing patterns of damage seen on VF and OCT maps. However, it is now possible to objectively and automatically quantify this agreement. Together, the RNF bundle model and the automated structure-function method should improve the power of topographical methods for detecting glaucoma and its progression. This should prove useful in clinical studies and trials, as well as for training and validating artificial intelligence/deep learning approaches for these purposes.

Changes of visual fields in treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare certain side-effects [visual fields (VF), dark adaptation, colour vision (CV) and contrast sensitivity (CS)] of conventional panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) with those of other treatments in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). A systematic literature search was conducted on 30 November 2018 in PubMed and Embase. The search comprised the keywords 'proliferative diabetic retinopathy', 'laser', 'treatment' and 'anti-vegf'. We included prospective studies and randomized controlled trials that investigated certain side-effects (VF, dark adaptation, CV, CS) in treatment of PDR (primary outcome). In total, 1867 articles were screened, and 10 studies were included (2176 eyes of 2086 patients examined in the VF studies and 1360 eyes of 1360 patients examined in the CV and CS studies). Visual fields (VF) were investigated in 10 studies, CV in one study and CS in one study. Treatment modalities included conventional PRP, other modalities of laser treatment and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. Four studies demonstrated a worse VF impact of PRP than VEGF inhibitors. Seven studies reported of an overall worsening in VF after laser with no differences between different laser approaches. No differences were found in CV or CS. Overall, we found a trend, confirmed in four large studies, towards VEGF inhibitors causing less harm to VF compared to conventional PRP. Whilst VF was generally depressed after laser, it did not differ between different treatment approaches. Furthermore, it was not possible to make certain conclusions of CV or CS, with only one study in each field.

Effect of intraocular lens implantation on visual field in glaucoma and comorbid cataracts.

To investigate the effects of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation on visual field (VF) in patients with glaucoma and comorbid cataracts (G&C) with different disease severities. Totally 56 eyes of 50 patients with primary G&C were included. All patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of the VF defect: the mild, moderate, and severe stage. Phacoemulsification was performed for cataract removal combined with IOL implantation. Visual acuity (VA) and VF tests were performed for all enrolled patients, up to 3mo after surgery. Changes in VF threshold and global VF index in various groups were also recorded before and after surgery. The mean light sensitivity (MS) values and the changes following surgery (DMS) were compared between the three groups. Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) scoring was analyzed on all VF results for analysis of changes in VF before and after surgery. Following surgery, the MS values of the three groups of G&C increased significantly, while the AGIS scores decreased statistically in all groups. The DMS values for the three zones in moderate and severe stage but not mild stage were statistically different between zones. The DMS value was significantly higher in zone I than those in zone II and III (zone I>zone II>zone III; P<0.05). The DMS was significantly higher in zone I than that in zone III in moderate stage patients (zone I>zone II>zone III; P<0.01), while the DMS values in the severe stage patients was significantly higher in zone I than those in zone II and III (zone I>zone II>zone III; P<0.01). The mean VF sensitivity of glaucoma patients increased significantly after cataract removal and IOL implantation. Variations in the severity and distribution of characteristics of VF defects result in differences in postoperative VF improvements after cataract surgery. The magnitude of increase in VF sensitivity is associated with VF defect characteristic in glaucoma.

Progression to blindness in 20 years among patients with glaucomatous visual field loss in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines

ObjectiveTo determine visual field (VF) rates of change among patients with glaucomatous VF loss and proportion of those becoming blind based on residual life expectancy and factors associated with fast...

Evaluation of Long-Term Visual Field Function in Patients Undergoing Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation

To determine the change in global and regional Humphrey visual fields (VF) after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation over a 3-year follow-up period. Retrospective interventional case series. Patients undergoing GDD placement from between 2010 and 2015 with reliable preoperative and yearly postoperative VF measurements were included. Clinical parameters were compared between preoperative and follow-up visits, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, global VF metrics (mean deviation [MD]), pattern standard deviation (PSD), CIGTS (Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study) score of total deviation probability (CIGTS_TDP) and pattern deviation probability (CIGTS_PDP), and regional metrics (regional total deviation (TD), regional pattern deviation (PD), and regional CIGTS_TDP and CIGTS_PDP). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for VF worsening after GDD surgery. A total of 106 eyes from 95 patients were included. Mean IOP ± SD was reduced from 23.1 ± 8.5mm Hg to 12.7 ± 3.1mm Hg at 3-year follow-up (P < .001). MD, PSD, and global CIGTS_PDP showed no significant changes in follow-up, whereas global CIGTS_TDP showed mild progression from 10.7 to 12.8 at 3-year follow-up (P= .01). No regional metrics showed worsening at follow-up examinations. Defects in the superior hemifield were more common than in the inferior hemifield at baseline and follow-up examinations for all regional metrics. Pre-operative number of glaucoma medications was associated with worsening on CIGTS_TDP. Overall, GDD surgery is effective at stabilizing VF function over 3 years of follow-up. The superior hemifield is affected more than other regions. The number of pre-operative glaucoma medications is associated with mild VF progression, measured by CIGTS_TDP.

Therapeutic Effects of Idebenone on Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

ABSTRACT Purpose: To characterize the potential therapeutic effects of idebenone on Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in terms of visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) defects, visual evoked potential (VEP) and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements. Methods: This was a retrospective case-controlled study of the effect of idebenone (900 mg/d) on 30 patients with LHON due to m.3460 G > A, m.11778 G > A and m.14484 T > C mutations. The primary end-point was the recovery in VA after 3 and 6 mon. The main secondary end-point was the change in VF, VEP and RNFL thickness. The other secondary end-point was the correlation between visual changes after 6 mon and the VF, VEP and RNFL thickness at baseline of the groups. Results: Idebenone was shown to be safe and well tolerated. The primary end-point reached statistical significance. The VA in the idebenone group improved in both the best eye and worst eye. The mean defect of VF decreased and amplitude of VEP increased. There was no significant difference in latency and RNFL thickness between the groups. The treatment, together with the VA and amplitude at baseline, had a significant effect on the improvement in VA at 6 mon. Conclusion: This case-controlled study of LHON provides evidence that idebenone treatment may be beneficial in cases of LHON and that the influential factors governing outcomes are the VA and amplitude of the VEP at baseline.

Visual Field Changes in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Background multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and the leading cause of disability in young adults. Afferent pregeniculate visual pathways (retina, optic nerves, chiasm, and tracts) are preferential targets of inflammation, demyelination, and axonal degeneration. Aim of the Work in our study was to find and correlate visual field findings in multiple sclerosis patients with clinical data. Patients and Methods this study included 30 eyes of 17 patients previously diagnosed as multiple sclerosis according to the international panel on diagnosis of MS (McDonald criteria 2001) and its revision by Polman etal 2005. All our cases were from both sexes and of different age group ranging from 18 years old to 51 years old. there were subtypes of MS included in our study which were relapsing remitting (RR), and secondary progressive (SP). All cases were from Ain-shams university hospitals, outpatient clinics. Results this study was conducted in Ain-shams university hospitals out-patient clinics, it included 17 patients previously diagnosed as MS. The age in our study was ranging from 18 to 51 years old with mean age of 33.67± 9.37.Our cases were from both sex with prevelance of female patients. Conclusion these findings illustrate the role of perimetry in detecting both clinically overt &amp; and clinically occult optic nerve involvement in patients with MS. It quantifies the depth of visual field loss, identifies atypical cases of optic neuritis, aids in counseling patients about prognosis.

Evaluation of Multifocal ERG and Visual Field Changes After Vitrectomy and ILM Peeling

Evaluation of Multifocal ERG and Visual Field Changes After Vitrectomy and ILM Peeling

Visual Field Changes Over 5 Years in Patients Treated With Panretinal Photocoagulation or Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Preservation of peripheral visual field (VF) is considered an advantage for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents compared with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Long-term data on VF are important when considering either treatment approach. To further evaluate changes in VF throughout 5 years among eyes enrolled in the Protocol S clinical trial, conducted by the DRCR Retina Network. Post hoc analyses of an ancillary study within a multicenter (55 US sites) randomized clinical trial. Individuals with eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy enrolled in Protocol S were included. Data were collected from February 2012 to February 2018. Analysis began in June 2018. Panretinal photocoagulation or intravitreous injections of 0.5-mg ranibizumab. Diabetic macular edema, whenever present, was treated with ranibizumab in both groups. Panretinal photocoagulation could be administered to eyes in the ranibizumab group when failure or futility criteria were met. Mean change in total point score on VF testing with the Humphrey Field Analyzer 30-2 and 60-4 test patterns. Of 394 eyes enrolled in Protocol S, 234 (59.4%) were targeted for this ancillary study. Of these, 167 (71.4%) had VF meeting acceptable quality criteria at baseline (median [interquartile range] age, 50 [43-58] years; 90 men [53.9%]). At 5 years, 79 (33.8%) had results available. The mean (SD) change in total point score in the PRP and ranibizumab groups was -305 (521) dB and -36 (486) dB at 1 year, respectively, increasing to -527 (635) dB and -330 (645) dB at 5 years, respectively (P = .04). After censoring VF results after PRP treatments in the ranibizumab group, the 5-year mean change in total point score was -201 (442) dB. In a longitudinal regression analysis of change in total point score including both treatment groups, laser treatment was associated with a mean point decrease of 208 (95% CI, 112-304) dB for the initial PRP session, 77 (95% CI, 21-132) dB for additional PRP sessions, and 325 (95% CI, 211-439) dB for endolaser. No association was found between change in point score and the number of ranibizumab injections during the previous year (-9 per injection [95% CI, -22 to 3]). The limited data available from Protocol S suggest that there are factors besides PRP associated with VF loss in eyes treated for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Further clinical research is warranted to clarify the finding. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01489189.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients With TBK1 Gene Mutations in One Large Pedigree

To characterize features of glaucoma associated with a TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene duplication, which is among the most common molecularly defined causes of normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Retrospective observational case series. We conducted a retrospective case series, by reviewing medical records of 7 members of a pedigree with NTG caused by TBK1 gene duplications. Clinical features of these patients at diagnosis, throughout management, and at latest follow-up were identified, including age, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), optic nerve head appearance, and mean deviation (MD) assessed with Humphrey visual field (HVF) testing protocols. At initial diagnosis, the mean age was 35 ± 7 years, IOP was 16 ± 2.1mm Hg, cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio was 0.9 ± 0.08, and MD assessed via HVF 30-2 and/or 24-2 testing protocols was-9.0 ± 8.9 (range:-1.8 to-27) dB in the 14 study eyes. At initial diagnosis, 4 of 14 eyes (28%) had no visual field defect, 4 (28%) had early visual field defects, and 6 (43%) had severe visual field defects. Patients had a mean follow-up of 21.5 ± 9.0 years and experienced an average reduction of IOP by 28%. Four of 12 eyes (33%) had stable visual fields throughout follow-up, while 8 eyes (67%) had slow-to-moderate progression. The 30-2 and/or 24-2 HVF tests had an average change in MD of-0.53 ± 0.26 dB/year. No eyes had rapid progression with an MD >1.0 dB/year. At final follow-up, the mean IOP was 11.5 ± 2.9, and C/D ratio was 0.94 ± 0.4. At final follow-up, 3 of 14 eyes (21%) had early visual field defects, 4 (29%) had moderate visual field defects, and 7 (50%) had severe visual field defects. Six of 14 eyes (43%) met criteria for legal blindness. We provide the first report of the clinical features and long-term clinical course in a family of NTG patients with TBK1 gene duplications. TBK1-associated glaucoma exhibits classic features of NTG. Patients present with severe disease at a relatively early age and most (67%) have slow-to-moderate progression of their visual field defects. The rate of visual field change appears correlated with the magnitude of IOP, suggesting that it may be advantageous to set extremely low IOP targets for some patients with TBK1-associated glaucoma.

Longitudinal Macular Structure–Function Relationships in Glaucoma

To investigate the relationship between longitudinal changes in macular thickness measurements from OCT and changes in central visual field (VF) in patients with glaucoma with central or advanced damage at baseline. Longitudinal cohort study. A total of 116 eyes with ≥3 years of follow-up and ≥5 macular OCT images and central 10° VF tests were selected. OCT superpixels and VF locations were matched correcting for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) displacement. Superpixel thickness and VF total deviation (TD) values, in both logarithmic and linear scales, were averaged within 3 eccentricities (3.4°, 5.6°, and 6.8°) and superior and inferior hemiretinas and hemifields. We estimated pointwise TD rates of change and rates of change at superpixels for full macular thickness (FMT), ganglion cell complex (GCC), ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), and ganglion cell layer (GCL). Correlation of structure-function (SF) rates of change was investigated with parametric tests. We compared the proportion of worsening and positive slopes for superpixels and VF test locations (negative vs. positive rates of change with P < 0.05) throughout the follow-up period. Permutation analyses were used to control specificity. Magnitude of correlation between structural and functional rates of change and proportion of worsening and positive slopes as a function of follow-up time. The median (interquartile range) follow-up and number of exams were 4.2 (3.7-4.6) years and 8 (7-9), respectively. The highest correlation of change rates was observed at 3.4° and 5.6° eccentricities (r= 0.24, 0.41, 0.40, and 0.40 for FMT, GCC, GCIPL, and GCL for 3.4° eccentricity and r= 0.28, 0.32, 0.31, and 0.32 for FMT, GCC, GCIPL, and GCL for 5.6° eccentricity, respectively). Although GCC measures demonstrated the highest overall longitudinal SF correlations, the differences were not statistically significant. Significant structural worsening was more frequently detected than functional deterioration at 3- and 5-year time points (P < 0.025). Permutation analyses also confirmed this finding. Correlations between central structural and functional rates of change were weak to fair in this cohort. Structural changes were detected more frequently than functional changes. Measurements of both structure and function are required for optimal detection of central progression.

Sustained Intraocular Pressure Rise after the Treat and Extend Regimen at 3 Years: Aflibercept versus Ranibizumab.

Purpose To determine the risk factors associated with sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) rise in patients enrolled in the treat and extend (T&E) protocol receiving aflibercept/ranibizumab therapy for 3 years. Design Retrospective, observational chart review. Setting. Multicentric. Patients. 789 patients (1021 eyes; 602 males) enrolled in T&E using aflibercept/ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or macular edema in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Intervention. The history, examination (clinical and special investigations), and treatment records were thoroughly scrutinized. Sustained IOP rise was defined as a rise in IOP above baseline by ≥6 mmHg and/or >24 mmHg on 2 or more consecutive visits. The Wilk–Shapiro test was used for confirming normality of data. The Mantel–Haenszel test and generalized estimating equations were used to analyse multicentric data as well as to analyse data from both eyes of the same patients in the event that both eyes were under therapy. The relative risk, chi-square test (with and without Yates' correction), and univariate and multivariate analysis were used wherever appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The primary outcome measure was the determination of risk factors for sustained IOP rise with ranibizumab/aflibercept therapy. Secondary outcome measures included determining the incidence of IOP rise (short term and sustained), visual field, and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) changes. Results The mean follow-up was 42.4 months. Male gender, South Asian ethnicity, older age, presence of AMD and vein occlusion, use of ranibizumab, higher number of injections, narrow angles, switch to bevacizumab/ranibizumab, and preexisting glaucoma were associated with sustained IOP rise. No significant visual field and RNFL changes were seen. The overall incidence was 8.91%. No patient required filtering surgery. No patient with IOP rise returned to baseline. Conclusion IOP rise is an important consideration as the chronicity of the condition can eventually lead to glaucomatous changes in eyes with already compromised vision. Follow-ups and use of appropriate therapy can be determined correspondingly.