Visual Field Mean Deviation Research Articles

Association between HSP-Specific T-Cell Counts and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

Previous laboratory reports implicate heat shock protein (HSP)-specific T-cell responses in glaucoma pathogenesis; here, we aimed to provide direct clinical evidence by correlating systemic HSP-specific T-cell levels with glaucoma severity in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Cross-sectional case-control study. Thirty-two adult patients with POAG and 38 controls underwent blood draw and optic nerve imaging. Peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) were stimulated in culture with HSP27, α-crystallin, a member of the small HSP family, or HSP60. Both interferon-γ (IFN-γ)+ CD4+ T helper type 1 cells (Th1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)+ CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg) were quantified by flow cytometry and presented as a percentage of total PBMC counts. Relevant cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was measured with OCT. Pearson's correlation (r) was used to assess correlations. Correlations of HSP-specific T-cell counts, and serum levels of corresponding cytokine levels with RNFLT. Patients with POAG (visual field mean deviation, -4.7 ± 4.0 dB) and controls were similar in age, gender, and body mass index. Moreover, 46.9% of POAG and 60.0% of control subjects had prior cataract surgery (P= 0.48). Although no significant difference in total nonstimulated CD4+ Th1 or Treg cells was detected, patients with POAG exhibited significantly higher frequencies of Th1 cells specific for HSP27, α-crystallin, or HSP60 than controls (7.3 ± 7.9% vs. 2.6 ± 2.0%, P= 0.004; 5.8 ± 2.7% vs. 1.8 ± 1.3%, P < 0.001; 13.2 ± 13.3 vs. 4.3 ± 5.2, P= 0.01; respectively), but similar Treg specific for the same HSPs compared with controls (P ≥ 0.10 for all). Concordantly, the serum levels of IFN-γ were higher in POAG than in controls (36.2 ± 12.1 pg/ml vs. 10.0 ± 4.3 pg/ml; P < 0.001), but TGF-β1 levels did not differ. Average RNFLT of both eyes negatively correlated with HSP27- and α-crystallin-specific Th1 cell counts, and IFN-γ levels in all subjects after adjusting for age (partial correlation coefficient r= -0.31, P= 0.03; r= -0.52, p= 0.002; r= -0.72, P < 0.001, respectively). Higher levels of HSP-specific Th1 cells are associated with thinner RNFLT in patients with POAG and control subjects. The significant inverse relationship between systemic HSP-specific Th1 cell count and RNFLT supports the role of these T cells in glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Retinal vascular and structural recovery analysis by optical coherence tomography angiography after endoscopic decompression in sellar/parasellar tumors

We assessed the potential retinal microcirculation alterations for postoperative visual recovery in sellar/paraseller tumor patients with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). Two hundred ten eyes with sellar/parasellar tumor for which preoperative and postoperative (3 months) MRI Scans, Visual Acuity Test, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), OCT-A and, Visual Field Test data were available, besides 92 healthy eyes were evaluated. In the preoperative phase, significant reductions were observed in retinal vascular densities in various regions, including the Superficial Retinal Capillary Plexus (SRCP) (whole: p < 0.001, fovea: p = 0.025, parafovea: p < 0.001), Deep Retinal Capillary Plexus (DRCP) (whole: p < 0.001, fovea: p = 0.003, parafovea: p < 0.001), Peripapillary Vascular Density (PVD) (whole: p = 0.045, peripapillary: p < 0.001, nasal: p < 0.001, inferior: p < 0.001, temporal: p < 0.001), and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) (nasal: p = 0.024, inferior: p < 0.001, temporal: p < 0.001, superior: p < 0.001) compared to the healthy control group. After surgery, the postoperative data of patients without chiasmal distortion were compared to their preoperative data. In the postoperative evaluation, significant increases were observed in vascular densities in patients without chiasmal distortion in the SRCP (whole: p < 0.001, parafovea: p = 0.045), DRCP (whole: p = 0.007, fovea: p = 0.006, parafovea: p = 0.040), PVD (peripapillary: p = 0.010, inferior: p < 0.001, temporal: p < 0.001, superior: p < 0.001), and RNFL (nasal: p = 0.011, inferior: p = 0.034, temporal: p = 0.046, superior: p = 0.011). Furthermore, significant associations were observed in the ROC analysis between the postoperative Visual Field Mean Deviation (VFMD) and SRCP (whole AUC = 0.793, p < 0.001, cut-off = 51.45, parafovea AUC = 0.820, p < 0.001, cut-off = 53.95), DRCP (whole AUC = 0.818, p < 0.001, cut-off = 55.95, parafovea AUC = 0.820, p < 0.001, cut-off = 59.05), PVD (temporal AUC = 0.692, p < 0.001, cut-off = 55.10), and RNFL (whole AUC = 0.690, p = 0.001, cut-off = 119.5, inferior AUC = 0.712, p < 0.001, cut-off = 144.75). These findings indicate a potential role of pre and post-operative OCT-A measurements in the assessment of surgical timing and postoperative visual recovery in patients with or without optic chiasm distortion.

Phase I NT-501 Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Implant Trial for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: Safety, Neuroprotection, and Neuroenhancement.

To assess the safety and efficacy of a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) intraocular implant on neuroprotection and neuroenhancement in glaucoma. Open-label, prospective, phase I clinical trial. A total of 11 participants were diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). One eye of each patient was assigned as the study (implant) eye. The study eye was implanted with a high-dose CNTF-secreting NT-501 implant, whereas the other eye served as a control. All patients were followed up for 18 months. Analysis was limited to descriptive statistics. Primary outcome was safety through 18 months after implantation assessed by serial eye examinations, structural and functional testing, and adverse events (AEs) recording. Parameters measured included visual acuity (VA), Humphrey visual field (HVF), pattern electroretinogram, scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC), and OCT. These parameters were also used for secondary analysis of efficacy outcome. All NT-501 implants were well tolerated with no serious AEs associated with the implant. The majority of AEs were related to the implant placement procedure and were resolved by 12 weeks after surgery. Foreign-body sensation was the most commonly reported AE and was self-limited to the postoperative period. The most common implant-related AE was pupil miosis; no patients underwent explant. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity decreased more in fellow eyes than in study eyes (VA,-5.82 vs.-0.82 letters; and contrast sensitivity,-1.82 vs.-0.37 letters, for fellow vs. study eyes, respectively). The median HVF visual field index and mean deviation measurements worsened (decreased) in fellow eyes (-13.0%,-3.9 dB) and improved (increased) in study eyes (2.7%, 1.2 dB). Implanted eyes showed an increase in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by OCT and by GDx VCC (OCT, 2.66 μm vs. 10.16 μm; and GDx VCC, 1.58μmvs. 8.36μm in fellow vs. study eyes, respectively). The NT-501 CNTF implant was safe and well tolerated in eyes with POAG. Eyes with the implant demonstrated both structural and functional improvements suggesting biological activity, supporting the premise for a randomized phase II clinical trial of single and dual NT-501 CNTF implants in patients with POAG, which is now underway. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Outcomes and risk factors for Kahook Dual Blade excisional goniotomy with concomitant phacoemulsification: a multicentre Canadian study

ObjectifÉvaluer les résultats et les facteurs de risque d’échec de la goniotomie excisionnelle réalisée au moyen de la lame double Kahook (LDK) dans le cadre d'une chirurgie de la cataracte (phaco-LDK) en présence de différents sous-types de glaucome à degrés de gravité variables. MéthodesCette série de cas consécutifs regroupait des patients glaucomateux porteurs de cataractes qui ont subi une phaco-LDK aux mains de plusieurs chirurgiens et pour lesquels on disposait d'un suivi minimum de 12 mois après l'intervention. L'efficacité était évaluée comme suit : réussite chirurgicale absolue ou mitigée (d'après divers critères), modification de la pression intraoculaire (PIO) et prise d'antiglaucomateux (AG) lors de la dernière visite de suivi postopératoire. Parmi les critères relatifs à l'innocuité, signalons la meilleure acuité visuelle corrigée (MAVC), le rapport cupule/disque (C/D), la déviation moyenne du champ visuel, l’épaisseur de la couche de fibres nerveuses rétiniennes et les effets indésirables. RésultatsAu total, ont été inclus 108 yeux (89 patients) pour lesquels on disposait d'un suivi médian de 18 mois (fourchette : 12–47 mois). La PIO a diminué de 26 %, passant de 19,1 ± 5,0 mm Hg à 14,1 ± 3,5 mm Hg (p < 0,001); la prise d'AG a diminué de 29 %, passant de 2,4 ± 1,3 collyres à 1,7 ± 1,3 (p < 0,001); enfin, 25 % des yeux ont pu se passer complètement de collyres (comparativement à 3 % au départ). Les taux de réussite mitigée obtenus pour les seuils de PIO de 18, de 15 et de 12 mm Hg se chiffraient à 87 %, à 68 % et à 46 %, respectivement. Une PIO initiale plus élevée et une incidence postopératoire de pics de la PIO ont été associées à une hausse du risque d’échec chirurgical. La MAVC s'est améliorée après l'intervention (p < 0,001), tandis que la déviation moyenne du champ visuel, le rapport C/D et l’épaisseur de la couche de fibres nerveuses rétiniennes sont demeurés stables. Dans l'ensemble, le profil d'innocuité était favorable : les effets indésirables étaient passagers et ne menaçaient pas le pronostic visuel. ConclusionCette étude multicentrique canadienne apporte des données issues du monde réel qui étayent l'innocuité et l'efficacité de la phaco-LDK pour ce qui est de réduire la PIO et la prise de collyres antiglaucomateux, sans signe d'une progression de la maladie pendant le suivi.

Relationship of Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout and Beta Zone Parapapillary Area With Visual Field Changes in Glaucoma

To evaluate the association between rates of choroidal microvasculature dropout (MvD) change, beta zone parapapillary atrophy (β-PPA) area change, and visual field (VF) changes in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Retrospective, observational cohort study. In a tertiary glaucoma clinic, we included 76 eyes from 58 patients with POAG with and without localized MvD, who had ≥2 years of follow-up with a minimum of 4 visits with optical coherence tomography angiography and optical coherence tomography scans. β-PPA area was evaluated using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy-like images and compared with the area of MvD on an en face choroidal vessel density map during the follow-up period. Joint longitudinal mixed effects models were used to estimate the rates of change in β-PPA area or MvD area and VF mean deviation (MD). Mean rates of change in β-PPA and MvD area were 0.037 mm2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.030-0.043 mm2) per year and 0.039 mm2 (95% CI 0.029-0.048 mm2) per year, respectively, over the mean follow-up of 4.1 years. In multivariable models, MvD area enlargement was significantly associated with faster rates of VF MD loss (0.03 mm2 [95% CI 0.02-0.04 mm2] per 1-dB worse, P < .001) but not β-PPA area enlargement (0.04 mm2 [95% CI 0.03-0.05 mm2] per 1-dB worse, P=.252). MvD area rates, but not β-PPA area rates, were associated with VF MD loss changes in eyes with POAG. Assessment of MvD is useful for the detection of patients with glaucoma who are at an increased risk of faster VF loss.

Temporal Optic Disc Microvasculature Dropout in Glaucoma.

To assess the clinical characteristics of focal temporal optic disc microvasculature dropout (MvD-D) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. One hundred and eighty-seven eyes of 187 POAG patients having MvD-D on Swept-Source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) were enrolled. Three groups were categorized according to the presence of temporal MvD-D within the upper and lower 45° of the fovea-Bruch's membrane (BM) opening axis: focal temporal MvD-D (Group 1, isolated focal temporal MvD-D; 44 eyes), supero/inferotemporal MvD-D (Group 2, MvD-D only in superotemporal or inferotemporal sector; 78 eyes), and diffuse temporal MvD-D (Group 3, MvD-D spanning ≥ 2 consecutive sectors, at least one of which being temporal sector; 65 eyes). Group 1 had a significantly longer axial length and β-zone parapapillary atrophy without BM. There also was a larger horizontal tilt angle and ovality index than the other two groups (P < 0.001). Group 1 had a significantly thinner retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the temporal sector than did Group 2 (P < 0.001), despite similar thicknesses in all other areas (P > 0.05). Group 3 had significantly worse visual field mean deviation and thinner RNFL than the other two groups in all areas other than the nasal, temporal, and superotemporal sectors (P < 0.05). Focal temporal MvD-D detected by SS-OCTA was associated with a longer axial length and related subsequent morphological changes of the optic disc and parapapillary area. This suggests that stretching of the optic disc consequent on axial elongation may lead to absence of temporal optic disc microvasculature.

Clinical characteristics of open-angle glaucoma progression with peripapillary microvasculature dropout in different locations.

The study attempted to identify clinical characteristics associated with structural progression in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in the presence of MvD in different locations. A total of 181 consecutive OAG eyes (follow-up 7.3 ± 4.0 years), which demonstrated peripapillary choroidal MvD (defined as a focal capillary loss with no visible microvascular network in choroidal layer) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA), were divided based on the location of MvD. Structural progression was determined using trend-based analysis of the Guided Progression Analysis software of Cirrus OCT. MvD was identified in the temporal quadrant in 110 eyes (temporal MvD; 60.5 ± 12.6 years), and in the inferior quadrant in 71 eyes (inferior MvD; 60.3 ± 11.1 years). After adjusting for age, average intraocular pressure (IOP) and baseline retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field mean deviation, inferior MvD eyes showed faster rates of thinning in the inferior RNFL (mean (95% CI); -0.833 (-1.298 to -0.367)) compared to temporal MvD eyes (-0.144 (-0.496 to 0.207)) when long-term IOP fluctuation was larger than the median value (1.7 mmHg; P = 0.022). Long-term IOP fluctuations were independently associated with inferior RNFL thinning in eyes with inferior MvD (P = 0.002) but not in eyes with temporal MvD. In OAG eyes, the rates of RNFL and GCIPL thinning were comparable regardless of MvD locations. However, inferior MvD is associated with faster RNFL and GCIPL thinning in the same quadrant when long-term IOP fluctuation is present. Structural progression in the presence of temporal MvD was less associated with IOP fluctuation.

Neurofilament Light Chain in Aqueous Humor as a Marker of Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma.

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a neuronal cytoskeletal protein that has been identified as a marker of neurodegeneration in diseases of the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated whether NfL in the aqueous humor (AH) can serve as a marker of neurodegeneration in glaucoma in a racially diverse North American population. Single-center, case-control study. We enrolled patients with various types and stages of glaucoma undergoing planned ophthalmic surgery as part of their routine care and compared them with patients without glaucoma undergoing phacoemulsification for age-related cataract. We collected AH from 39 glaucoma patients and 10 patients without glaucoma. AH NfL was quantified using the Single-Molecule Array (Simoa)® NF-light assay (Quanterix). Demographic information, such as age, body mass index, sex, and self-reported race, as well as clinical information, such as pre-operative intraocular pressure (IOP), maximum IOP, and number of pre-operative glaucoma medications, was obtained by reviewing the medical record. Levels of AH NfL. In a model controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), NfL was significantly elevated in AH from glaucoma patients (mean: 429 pg/mL; standard deviation [SD]: 1136 pg/mL) compared to AH from patients without glaucoma (mean: 3.1 pg/mL; SD: 1.9 pg/mg): P = 0.002. Higher AH NfL was associated with higher maximum IOP (R = 0.44, P = 0.005), higher pre-operative IOP (R = 0.46, P = 0.003), and more pre-operative glaucoma medications (Rs = 0.61, P < 0.001). There was no association between AH NfL and Humphrey visual field mean deviation (R = -0.20, P = 0.220), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness as measured with optical coherence tomography (R = 0.07, P = 0.694), or glaucoma stage (Rs = 0.015, P = 0.935). Our findings suggest that AH NfL may have clinical utility as a marker of glaucomatous neurodegeneration.

Impact of Monocular and Binocular Visual Function Parameters on Vision-Related Quality of Life in Glaucoma.

This study describes the impact of monocular (M/O) and binocular (B/O) visual function decline, primarily the contrast sensitivity (CS) and visual field (VF) defect severity and its location, on the subjective perception of quality of life (QoL) among the Indian glaucoma population with spared central acuity. To investigate the influence of M/O and B/O visual function parameters on vision-related QoL (VRQoL) in glaucoma with spared central visual acuity. Glaucoma subjects underwent M/O and B/O visual acuity, CS assessment, followed by the M/O perimetry from which the integrated VF was estimated (B/O summation method). VRQoL was evaluated using the Glaucoma Quality Of Life-15 (GQL-15) and Visual Function Questionnaire-Utility Index (VFQ-UI) questionnaires. The relationship between CS and VF defect (VFD) with the composite VRQoL scores was analyzed. A total of 154 glaucoma subjects with a median age of 61 (range: 24-83) years were enrolled. Subjects with severe VFD reported poor composite scores for GQL-15 and VFQ-UI when compared with unilateral and mild groups ( P < 0.001, Dunn post hoc). Both the composite scores were negatively correlated with M/O and B/O CS and VF mean deviation ( r range: -0.3 to -0.5, P < 0.001, Spearman rank correlation). B/O VFD in the inferior central zone contributed to poor GQL-15 score [odds ratio: 1.14 (95% CI: 1.10-1.29), P = 0.04] irrespective of sex, whereas females with increasing B/O VFD reported poor QoL score in VFQ-UI [odds ratio: 4.09 (95% CI: 1.77-9.43), p=0.003]. Poor GQL-15 and VFQ-UI scores were reported with increasing disease severity. B/O VFD in the inferior central region was found to contribute predominantly to the poor GQL-15 scores while both disease severity and sex influenced VFQ-UI scores.

Efficacy and Safety Outcomes of XEN Implantation and Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy for the Management of Advanced Open-angle Glaucoma.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is not typically used in patients with advanced-stage glaucoma. This study describes the outcomes and complications of patients with advanced open-angle glaucoma (OAG) who underwent XEN implantation with cataract surgery or gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) with cataract surgery. This retrospective study identified patients who had undergone XEN implantation or GATT for the management of advanced OAG. Outcomes included surgical success, intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, number of topical IOP-lowering drops, visual field mean deviation (MD), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and complications. Surgical success was defined as an IOP of <14 mm Hg and a 20% reduction at 12 months without topical IOP-lowering drops (complete success) or with topical IOP-lowering drops (qualified success). Exactly 70 eyes were enrolled in this study, including 35 who had undergone XEN implantation and 35 who had undergone GATT. The overall surgical success rate was 74.3% (26 of 35) for eyes that underwent XEN implantation and 71.4% (25 of 35) for eyes that underwent GATT. Percent IOP reduction from baseline to 12 months postoperatively was 48% in the XEN cohort and 32% in the GATT cohort. Significant reduction in the use of topical IOP-lowering drops was demonstrated for both XEN (3.26 ± 1.15-1.23 ± 1.28) (p < 0.001) and GATT (2.46 ± 1.12-0.43 ± 0.78) (p < 0.001) cohorts at 12 months postoperatively. The only complication reported was transient hyphema, which occurred in three patients from the XEN group and four from the GATT group, and resolved spontaneously. Both XEN implantation and GATT may be safe and effective management options when treating patients with advanced OAG. However, larger sample sizes are required to make direct statistical comparisons between these techniques. In this study, XEN implantation and GATT combined with cataract surgery were each associated with favorable outcomes in patients with advanced OAG. Ruparelia S, Sharif M, Shoham-Hazon N. Efficacy and Safety Outcomes of XEN Implantation and Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy for the Management of Advanced Open-angle Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):63-67.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome Adversely Affects Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Glaucoma

To investigate the impact of Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in patients with glaucoma. Cross-sectional cohort study. Twenty-four patients with CBS and 42 matched controls without CBS out of 337 patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) with visual field (VF) loss. A matching technique was used to identify control patients with similar disease stage, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and age to patients with CBS. Patients' VRQoL was determined using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI VFQ-25). Rasch-calibrated NEI VFQ-25 scores of the CBS group and the control group were compared. Uni- and multivariable regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of different factors on VRQoL. Vision-related quality of life in patients with glaucoma with CBS and without CBS. Vision-related quality of life scores were significantly lower in the CBS group than in the control group on both the visual functioning scale with 39 points (95% confidence interval (CI): 30-48) vs. 52 points (95% CI: 46-58) (P=0.013) and on the socioemotional scale with 45 points (95% CI: 37-53) vs. 58 points (95% CI: 51-65) (P=0.015). Univariable regression analysis showed that integrated visual field mean deviation (IVF-MD) (r2=0.334, P<0.001), BCVA in the better eye (r2=0.117, P=0.003), and the presence of CBS (r2=0.078, P=0.013) were significantly correlated to VRQoL scores on the visual functioning scale. Integrated visual field mean deviation (r2=0.281, P<0.001), age (r2=0.048, P=0.042), and the presence of CBS (r2=0.076, P=0.015) were significantly correlated to VRQoL scores on the socioemotional scale. Multivariable regression analysis showed that IVF-MD and the presence of CBS accounted for nearly 40% of the VRQoL score on the visual functioning scale (R2=0.393, P<0.001) and for 34% of the VRQoL score on the socioemotional scale (R2=0.339, P<0.001). Charles Bonnet syndrome had a significant negative association to VRQoL in patients withglaucoma. Presence of CBS should be considered when evaluating VRQoL in patients with glaucoma. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Fluctuation of Intraocular Pressure and Vascular Factors Are Associated With the Development of Epiretinal Membrane in Glaucoma

To identify factors associated with the development of epiretinal membranes (ERM) in glaucoma patients. Multicenter, propensity-score matched, case-control study. One hundred ninety-two eyes of 192 patients with glaucoma from the Catholic Medical Center Glaucoma Suspect Cohort Study were analyzed. We identified 64 eyes who developed ERM from the cohort, and 128 eyes without ERM were selected by propensity score matching (1:2) according to baseline age and mean deviation (MD) of the visual field (VF). Demographic, systemic, and ocular characteristics were determined at baseline. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured, including baseline, mean IOP, and IOP fluctuation. Early-stage ERM, defined as translucent membrane with no underlying retinal distortion, was detected by fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. Central VF progression was considered when new VF defets developed in one either or both hemifields or when there was an increase of 3 or more abnormal points within 12 points of central 10° fixation. Autonomic nervous system status was evaluated by heart rate variability. Patients who developed ERM were more frequently receiving medication for systemic hypertension and had higher systolic blood pressure, greater IOP fluctuation, more frequent disc hemorrhage (DH), worse VF MD, and a higher rate of central VF progression than patients without ERM. Additionally, patients with early glaucoma who developed ERM had higher rate of autonomic imbalance while patients with moderate-to-advanced glaucoma who developed ERM had greater baseline and peak IOP and worse MD of the last follow-up VF (MD < 6.0 dB). Older age (P=.048), medication for systemic hypertension (P < .001), IOP fluctuation (P < .001), presence of DH (P < .001), and worse last MD of VF (P=.033) were significantly associated with ERM in Cox proportional hazard analysis. Early stage of ERMs in glaucomatous eyes are significantly associated with glaucoma progression, medication of systemic hypertension, presence of DH, and IOP fluctuation. These suggest that glaucoma patients who develop early stage of ERMs should be carefully monitored in terms of IOP fluctuation, vascular factors, and glaucoma progression.

Influence of Refractive Error on Circumpapillary Structure-function vs. Vessel Density-function Relationships in Open-angle Glaucoma.

In Japanese OAG eyes correlation of 30-degree visual field MD and VFI with circumpapillary vessel density is systematically stronger than that with circumpapillary RNFLT, and is preserved in myopia and high myopia. To investigate the influence of refractive error on the relationship between circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT) and circumpapillary vessel density (cpVD), respectively, and global visual field parameters in Japanese open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes. One eye of 81 Japanese OAG patients (spherical equivalent refractive error: +3.0 to -9.0 D) underwent 360-degree cpRNFLT and cpVD measurements with Cirrus HD 5000-AngioPlex optical coherence tomography and 30-2 Humphrey visual field testing for mean deviation [MD] and visual field index [VFI] within 1 month. Correlations were determined for the whole population and each refractive error subgroups, separately: emmetropia/hyperopia (n=24), mild (n=18), moderate (n=20), and high myopia (n=19). For the total population, significant strong to very strong correlations were found between MD, VFI, and both cpRNFLT and cpVD, respectively, with consistently higher r-values for cpVD (highest r-values: 0.532 for cpRNFLT, P<0.001; 0.722 for cpVD, P<0.001). Of the refractive subgroups, statistically significant correlations between cpRNFLT and the visual field parameters were maintained only in the hyperopia/emmetropia and moderate myopia groups. In contrast, statistically significant, strong to very strong correlations between cpVD and both MD and VFI, always exceeding the corresponding r-values found for cpRNFLT were found in all refractive subgroups, with r-values ranging between 0.548 (P=0.005) and 0.841 (P<0.001). Our results suggest that in Japanese OAG eyes the relationship of MD and VFI with cpVD is strong. It is systematically stronger than that with cpRNFLT, and preserved in each conventional refractive error category including high myopia.

Progressive Macular Vessel Density Loss and Visual Field Progression in Open-angle Glaucoma Eyes with Central Visual Field Damage

To investigate the association between the longitudinal changes in both macular vessel density (mVD) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT) and visual field (VF) progression (including central VF progression) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients with central visual field (CVF) damage at different glaucoma stages. Retrospective longitudinal study. This study enrolled 223 OAG eyes with CVF loss at baseline classified as early-to-moderate (133 eyes) or advanced (90 eyes) stage based on the VF mean deviation (MD) (-10 dB). Serial mVDs at parafoveal and perifoveal sectors and mGCIPLT measurements were obtained using OCT angiography and OCT during a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Visual field progression was determined using both the event- and trend-based analyses during follow-up. Linear mixed-effects models were used to compare the rates of change in each parameter between VF progressors and nonprogressors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for VF progression. In early-to-moderate stage, progressors showed significantly faster rates of change in the mGCIPLT (-1.02 vs.-0.47 μm/year), parafoveal (-1.12 vs.-0.40%/year), and perifoveal mVDs (-0.83 vs.-0.44%/year) than nonprogressors (all P<0.05). In advanced stage cases, only the rates of change in mVDs (parafoveal:-1.47 vs.-0.44%/year; perifoveal:-1.04 vs.-0.27%/year; all P<0.05) showed significant differences between the groups. By multivariable logistic regression analyses, the faster rate of mVD loss was a predictor of VF progression regardless of glaucoma stage, while the rate of mGCIPLT loss was significantly associated with VF progression only in early-to-moderate stage cases. Progressive mVD loss is significantly associated with VF progression (including central VF progression) in the OAG eyes with CVF loss regardless of the glaucoma stage. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Optic Nerve Head Changes After Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Glaucoma Surgeries Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Optic nerve head (ONH) changes were detected with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) after intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering glaucoma surgeries. The aim of this study was to detect changes in the ONH with SS-OCT after IOP-lowering procedures. Patients with progressing glaucoma who were referred for IOP-lowering procedures were included. The participants underwent a 24-2 visual field test and SS-OCT (DRI OCT Triton Plus; Topcon). IOP and SS-OCT scans were obtained during the preoperative period and up to 7 days and 30-90 days postoperatively. ONH parameters were measured with a B -scan at the center of the optic disc and an average of 5 central B -scans. The hypotenuse of the ONH cup (HOC) was calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: hypotenuse 2 = leg1 2 + leg2 2 , considering the length and depth of the cup as the legs of a right triangle. We also evaluated changes in Bruch membrane opening (BMO)-to-BMO diameter. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations. A total of 15 eyes were included. The mean patient age was 70 (SD, 11.04) years. The mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer was 60.13 (SD, 23.21) µm and the visual field mean deviation was -13.29 (SD, 8.5) dB. The mean IOP at each visit was: 20.5 (SD, 4.99); 11 (SD, 4.95), and 15.7 (SD, 5.04), respectively. The mean HOC, the mean depth and length of the ONH cup, and the BMO-to-BMO diameter decreased significantly after the IOP-lowering procedures. The HOC evaluated with SS-OCT significantly decreased after IOP-lowering surgeries. This parameter was useful for evaluating short-term changes in the ONH.

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic and glaucomatous optic neuropathy: Implications for neuroretinal rim remodeling with disease severity.

Post-acute non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) can be difficult to differentiate clinically. Our objective was to identify optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters to help differentiate these optic neuropathies. We compared 12 eyes of 8 patients with NAION and 12 eyes of 12 patients with GON, matched for age and visual field mean deviation (MD). All patients underwent clinical assessment, automated perimetry (Humphrey Field Analyzer II; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA), and OCT imaging (Spectralis OCT2; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) of the optic nerve head and macula. We derived the neuroretinal minimum rim width (MRW), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, central anterior lamina cribrosa depth, and macular retinal thickness. MRW was markedly thicker, both globally and in all sectors, in the NAION group compared to the GON group. There was no significant group difference in RFNL thickness, globally or in any sector, with the exception of the temporal sector that was thinner in the NAION group. The group difference in MRW increased with increasing visual field loss. Other differences observed included lamina cribrosa depth significantly greater in the GON group and significantly thinner central macular retinal layers in the NAION group. The ganglion cell layer was not significantly different between the groups. The neuroretinal rim is altered in a dissimilar manner in NAION and GON and MRW is a clinically useful index for differentiating these two neuropathies. The fact that the difference in MRW between the two groups increased with disease severity suggests distinct remodelling patterns in response to differing insults with NAION and GON.

Long-term Outcome of Anterior Chamber Parameters after Laser Iridotomy and Iridoplasty in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate the long-term outcomes of anterior chamber angle parameters in patients with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) after peripheral laser iridotomy (LI) combined with iridoplasty (PI) using a dual Scheimpflug analyzer.Methods: This retrospective study included 32 eyes in 32 patients diagnosed with PACG who underwent LI plus PI. Patients with an acute angle closure crisis were excluded. Dual Scheimpflug analyzer images were acquired before and 1 week after LI plus PI, and yearly afterwards. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) and volume (ACV), mean anterior chamber angle (ACA), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were also measured.Results: The mean follow-up was 32.28 ± 13.34 months. Baseline demographics were age 63 ± 7.9 years, 62.5% female, IOP 15.48 ± 4.79 mmHg, ACD 2.09 ± 0.19 mm, and visual field mean deviation -7.97 ± 8.49 dB. ACD increased from baseline to 2.15 ± 0.32 mm, but it was not significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.136). ACV increased significantly from 78.32 ± 11.49 mm at baseline to 83.04 ± 11.16 mm at the last visit after LI (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.011). The mean ACA increased significantly from 26.86 ± 2.53° at baseline to 28.82 ± 4.64° at the last visit (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.022). IOP decreased significantly from baseline to 13.06 ± 2.21 mmHg at the last visit (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001).Conclusions: The ACA parameters improved after LI combined with PI in patients with PACG and remained so on long-term follow-up. IOP was also significantly reduced for more than 2.5 years after LI plus PI.

Morpho-Functional Assessment of Retinal Ganglion Cells and Visual Pathways in Patients with Optic Disc Drusen: Superficial Drusen Visible Height as a Marker of Impairment.

The aim of this study was to assess the morpho-functional involvement of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and of the visual pathways in patients with superficial (ODD-S) or deep (ODD-D) optic disc drusen. This study enrolled 17 patients with ODD (mean age of 59.10 ± 12.68 years) providing 19 eyes and 20 control subjects (mean age 58.62 ± 8.77 years) providing 20 eyes. We evaluated the following: best-corrected visual acuity, visual field mean deviation (MD), the amplitude (A) of Pattern Electroretinogram (PERG), the implicit time (IT) and A of Visual Evoked Potentials (VEPs), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL-T) and ganglion cell thickness (GC-T). In ODD-S eyes, the drusen visible height was measured. ODD-D and ODD-S were detected in 26.3% and 73.7% of ODD eyes, respectively. Significantly (p < 0.01) reduced MD, PERG A, VEP amplitude, RNFL-T and GC-T values and significantly (p < 0.01) increased VEP IT values were found in the ODD Group as compared to the Control one. In the ODD Group, no significant correlation (p > 0.01) between PERG As and VEP ITs was found. In ODD-S, the visible height was significantly correlated (p < 0.01) with reduced MD, PERG As and RNFL-T and with increased PSD and VEP IT values. Our findings suggest that ODD might induce morpho-functional changes in RGCs and their fibers and an unrelated visual pathway dysfunction leading or not leading to visual field defects. The observed morpho-functional impairment should be ascribed to an alteration in retrograde (from the axons to the RGCs) and anterograde (from the RGCs up to the visual cortex) axoplasmic transport. In ODD-S eyes, a minimum visible height of 300 microns represented the threshold for the abnormalities, suggesting that "the higher the ODD, the worse the impairment".

Association Between Longitudinal 10-2 Central Visual Field Change and the Risk of Visual Acuity Loss in Mild-to-Moderate Glaucoma.

Faster worsening of 10-2 visual field (VF) was associated with the development of visual acuity (VA) loss in mild-to-moderate glaucoma, suggesting longitudinal 10-2 VF change is associated with the risk of VA impairment. To examine whether longitudinal 10-2 central VF change is associated with the risk of VA loss in glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma and glaucoma suspect eyes with ≥3 years and 5 visits of 10-2 VF examinations were included. Cox proportional hazard modeling with shared frailty was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) of 10-2 VF mean deviation (MD), superior hemifield mean sensitivity (hemi-MS), and inferior hemi-MS worsening rates for developing VA loss, defined as a change in logMAR VA ≥95% test-retest variability. Among the 252 eyes (148 participants, mean follow-up = 5.8y), 30 eyes (21 participants, mean follow-up = 4.9y) developed VA loss. There was no difference in baseline VF between eyes with and without VA loss ( P > 0.05). Eyes with VA loss showed faster 10-2 VF MD worsening [-0.39 (95% CI: -0.60, -0.18) dB/y] and hemi-MS decrease (range: -0.42~-0.38 dB/y), as compared with no-VA loss eyes [10-2 VF MD change = -0.11 (-0.16, -0.07) dB/y; hemi-MS change: -0.12~-0.07 dB/y; P < 0.05]. In the multivariable model, faster 10-2 VF MD worsening [HR (95% CI) = 4.05 (1.61, 10.22), per 1dB/y faster], superior hemi-MS decrease [HR (95% CI) = 7.07 (2.48, 20.14), per 1dB/y faster], and inferior hemi-MS decrease [HR (95% CI) = 8.32 (1.99, 34.91), per 1dB/y faster] were all associated with increased risk of developing VA loss ( P < 0.05). Faster 10-2 VF MD and hemifield MS worsening are associated with the development of VA loss. Monitoring the longitudinal central 10-degree VF change may suggest that there is impending VA impairment in glaucoma.

Comparing Rates of Change in Moderate to Advanced Glaucoma: Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Versus Bruch Membrane Opening-Minimum Rim Width

To compare rates of change (RoC) of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and Bruch membrane opening-based minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) thickness in moderate-to-advanced glaucoma. Prospective cohort study. Longitudinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) optic nerve head volume scans of 113 eyes of 113 glaucoma patients with moderate-to-advanced or central damage were exported. This study estimated and compared global and sectoral RoC with linear mixed effects models and simple linear regression (SLR) of RNFL and BMO-MRW thickness. Permutation analyses were used to test significance of RoC in the SLR model. It also compared longitudinal signal-to-noise ratios (LSNR) defined as RoC divided by residual standard deviation (SD) between the two groups. Mean (SD) follow-up and median (IQR) OCT scan sessions were 5.2 (1.3) years and 10 (8-11), respectively. Baseline average (SD) visual field mean deviation was -9.2 (5.8) dB. Based on SLR, a higher proportion of significant negative RNFL RoC was observed compared to BMO-MRW in the inferotemporal (35% vs 20%; P=.015) and inferonasal (42% vs 17%; P < .001) sectors. Permutation analyses also demonstrated a higher proportion of worsening RNFL RoC than BMO-MRW in the inferotemporal (P=.026) and inferonasal (P < .001) sectors along with overall lower positive RoC. Longitudinal signal-to-noise ratios for RNFL were significantly more negative than for BMO-MRW globally, and in the inferotemporal, inferonasal, and superonasal sectors (P ≤ .01). Longitudinal RNFL OCT measurements are more likely to detect structural change and demonstrate better LSNR compared with BMO-MRW in eyes with central or moderate-to-advanced glaucoma damage at baseline.