Comparison of the structure-function relationship between compass microperimetry and Humphrey field analyser in myopic open-angle glaucoma eyes.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the structure-function relationship between compass microperimetry (CMP; CenterVue, Padova, Italy) and Humphrey field analyser (HFA; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with myopia. METHODS: Circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (cpRNFLT) and visual field (VF) mean sensitivity (MS) were obtained in 90 OAG subjects using the optical coherence tomography, CMP and HFA in a random order. The global and sectoral structure-function relationships between the cpRNFLT and VFMS were assessed with different VF devices (CMP vs HHA) in OAG eyes with and without myopia. RESULTS: Overall, the global and regional structure-function relationships between the two devices did not show significant differences except for the superotemporal sector. In the myopic subgroup, the global association between the average cpRNFLT and VFMSCMP was significantly stronger than that between the average cpRNFLT and VFMSHFA (r=0.806 vs. 0.720, p=0.035). The presence of myopia and higher global cpRNFLT were significantly associated with the greater global VFMS differences between the two devices (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In general, structure-function relationship is similar between CMP and HFA in OAG eyes. However, the global structure-function relationship is significantly stronger with CMP than with HFA in OAG eyes with myopia.

Baseline Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout as a Predictor of Subsequent Visual Field Progression in Open-angle Glaucoma.

PRECIS: Choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) is an independent predictor for overall and central visual field (VF) progression in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of CMvD identified by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) at baseline on subsequent VF progression in eyes with OAG. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 80 OAG eyes with CMvD [CMvD(+)] and without CMvD [(CMvD(-)] at baseline [40 of each matched for both age (10 y and below) and baseline VF severity (≤1 dB)]. The patients were followed regularly at 6-month intervals. VF progression was defined according to the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial criteria. Associations of overall VF progression with baseline clinical factors, including the presence of CMvD and other variables, were analyzed by logistic regression with a generalized estimating equation in the entire OAG cohort. Linear mixed models were used to determine the differences in visual field mean sensitivity (VFMS) between the CMvD(+) and CMvD(-) groups globally and regionally at each follow-up point. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 35.91±2.51 months, a significant difference was evident in the VF progression rate between the CMvD(-) and CMvD(+) groups (22.5% vs. 70%, P<0.001). CMvD at baseline and a higher visit-to-visit intraocular pressure fluctuation were significant predictors of VF progression. The VFMS differed significantly between the 2 groups at the central and superior central VF regions after 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The presence of CMvD at baseline is an independent predictor of subsequent VF progression. CMvD(+) eyes show a faster rate of VFMS loss at the central and superior central VF regions.

Nocturnal blood pressure dip and parapapillary choroidal microvasculature dropout in normal-tension glaucoma.

Choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) implies compromised optic nerve head perfusion in glaucoma patients. However, there are conflicting findings whether office-hour systemic blood pressure (BP) is related to the presence of CMvD. The present study investigated which systemic BP parameters, derived from 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), are associated with CMvD as assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). This study included 88 eyes of 88 NTG patients who underwent 24-h ABPM and OCT-A imaging. Various systemic BP parameters associated with the presence of CMvD were evaluated using logistic regression analyses. CMvD was detected in 38 NTG eyes (43.2%). NTG eyes with CMvD had nighttime diastolic BP (DBP) dip of greater magnitude and longer duration than eyes without CMvD. In multivariate logistic regression, worse VF mean deviation (MD) (odds ratio [OR] 0.786; P = 0.001), greater nighttime DBP dip "%" (OR 1.051; P = 0.034), and higher daytime peak IOP (OR 1.459; P = 0.013) were significantly associated with the presence of CMvD. Based on our findings that the eyes with CMvD are closely associated with having nighttime DBP dip, NTG patients with CMvD should be recommended to undergo 24-h ABPM.

Relationship between peripapillary vessel density and visual field in glaucoma: a broken-stick model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the tipping point at which peripapillary vessel density (pVD), measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), is associated with detectable visual field (VF) loss in cases of open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: Peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness and pVD were measured using OCT and OCT-A in 166 healthy participants, those with suspected glaucoma and patients with early-stage OAG. All participants were Koreans. A broken-stick model was used to determine the tipping points below which pRNFL thickness (pRNFLT) or pVD reduction was associated with significant VF loss. The slopes were computed above and below the tipping points for the relationship between pVD, pRNFLT and VF sensitivity (VFS). RESULTS: Tipping points were detected for pRNFLT globally and in the inferior and superior quadrants, at which there were significant differences between the slopes above and below the tipping points. The slopes above the tipping points were approximately zero. However, no tipping point was found for pVD in the global area or regional sectors. CONCLUSION: The relationship between pVD and VFS does not show a tipping point. This suggests that the correlation between pVD-VFS may be linear and stronger than that of pRNFLT-VFS, even at the early stage of glaucoma.

Comparison of Lamina Cribrosa Curvature in Pseudoexfoliation and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare lamina cribrosa curvature (LCC) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to elucidate the factors associated with LCC in both groups. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. METHOD: Forty eyes with PXG and visual field mean deviation-matched 40 eyes with POAG were included. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography enhanced depth imaging was used to acquire LC images. The LCC index (LCCI) was calculated as LCC depth/LCC width × 100. Calculated LCCI values were compared between the PXG and POAG groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors related to the presence of PXG. Factors associated with LCCI were determined by uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses in both groups. RESULT: Visual field mean deviation (-11.7 ± 9.7 dB vs -1.0 ± 8.5 dB, P = .731) and retinal nerve fiber thickness (647.4 ± 22.7 µm vs 68.3 ± 19.9 µm, P = .857) did not differ between the 2 groups. However, the mean (8.8 ± 2.9 in PXG, 6.6 ± 1.9 in POAG) and sectoral LCCIs assessed at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120° were significantly greater in the PXG than in the POAG group (all, P < .05), but not at 150° (P = .113). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher average LCCI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.509 [95% confidence interval 1.180-2.047], P = .003) and older age (OR = 1.074 [95% confidence interval 1.017-1.147], P = .019) were associated with the presence of PXG. IOP was associated with mean LCCI only in the POAG group (ß = 0.150 [95% confidence interval 0.018-0.281], P = .027) while none of the factors showed association with LCCI in PXG. CONCLUSION: PXG eyes had more steeply curved LC than POAG eyes with a similar level of glaucoma severity. The clinical implication(s) of steeper LCC in PXG should be investigated in a forthcoming study.

Glaucomatous Progression After Lens Extraction in Primary Angle Closure Disease Spectrum.

PRECIS: Substantial proportion of primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes showed glaucomatous worsening after successful lens extraction and intraocular pressure (IOP) control, which may suggest that an earlier intervention may be required to prevent PACG. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal clinical course of the primary angle closure (PAC) disease spectrum, including PAC, primary angle closure suspect (PACS), and PACG patients, who underwent lens extraction. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 77 eyes from patients with PACS, PAC, and PACG who underwent lens extraction and were followed up for >2 years after surgery. The mean, peak, and fluctuation of IOP were analyzed before and after lens extraction among groups. Visual field (VF) mean deviation was compared immediately after lens extraction and the final follow-up. Postoperative glaucoma progression determined by 3 criteria (optic disc/retinal nerve fiber layer photographs, optical coherent tomography, and VF) was compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Seventeen PACS, 24 PAC, and 36 PACG eyes were included. The mean and peak IOP, and IOP fluctuation IOP were significantly reduced postoperatively in all groups. Postoperative VF mean deviation was significantly aggravated only in the PACG group (from -7.26 to -8.82 dB, P<0.001). The prevalence of postoperative glaucoma progression by at least 1 criterion was significantly higher in PACG, and none of the eyes with PACS and PAC showed VF conversion (PACS, PAC, PACG; 11.8%, 12.5% vs. 61.1% in disc/retinal nerve fiber layer, 11.8%, 8.3% vs. 63.9% in optical coherent tomography, 0%, 0% vs. 33.3% in VF, all P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the PAC spectrum, lens extraction achieved significant IOP reduction. However, despite IOP control, a substantial proportion of PACG eyes showed glaucomatous progression. This result may suggest that lens extraction should be performed early to prevent PACG.

Diffractive multifocal intraocular lens implantation in patients with monofocal intraocular lens in the contralateral eye.

AIM: To evaluate clinical outcomes of unilateral implantation of a diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) in patients with contralateral monofocal IOL. METHODS: Twenty-two patients who already had implantation of a monofocal IOL in unilateral eye underwent implantation of a diffractive multifocal IOL in contralateral eye were enrolled. After 1, 6, and 12mo, uncorrected and distant corrected distant visual acuity (UCDVA and DCDVA), uncorrected and distant corrected intermediate-visual acuity (UCIVA and DCIVA), uncorrected and distant corrected near visual acuity (UCNVA and DCNVA), and contrast sensitivity were obtained. Halo/glare symptoms, spectacle dependence, and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 67.86±7.25y and the average interval between two IOL implantations was 645.82±878.44d. At 1mo, binocular UCDVA was lower than 0.20 logMAR in 76% of patients (mean 0.12±0.13 logMAR), which increased to 90% by 6 and 12mo. The binocular UCDVA was significantly better than the monocular results (P<0.05) at 1, 6, and 12mo. Additionally, UCNVA was lower than 0.40 logMAR in 82% of patients, increasing to 90% by 6 and 12mo. Mean UCNVA in the multifocal IOL implanted eye was statistically significantly better than that in the monofocal IOL implanted eye (P<0.05) at 1, 6, and 12mo. About 5% of patients at 1 and 6mo, reported "severe glare or halo". Patient satisfaction rates were 95% and 91% at 6 and 12mo, respectively. CONCLUSION: Unilateral implantation of multifocal IOL in patients with a contralateral, monofocal IOL implantation results in high patient satisfaction rate, with low severe glare or halo rate during follow-up. It can represent a good option for patients who have previously had a monofocal IOL implantation regardless of two year interval duration between two IOL implantations.

Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout is Associated with Generalized Choroidal Vessel Loss within the ß-Parapapillary Atrophy in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine whether eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and a localized choroidal microvasculature dropout (MvD) are associated with a greater degree of generalized choroidal vascular insufficiency within the ß-parapapillary atrophy (ß-PPA) than OAG eyes without MvD. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study included 100 OAG eyes with visual field (VF) loss confined to a single hemifield (50 with and 50 without MvD, matched for age [≤10 years ols], axial length [≤1 mm], and VF severity [≤1 dB]), as well as 50 healthy eyes. Using optical coherence tomography angiography, parapapillary choroidal vessel density (pCVD) was measured on en-face images of choroidal maps within the entire ß-PPA after excluding the MvD area and hemi-sectors of the ß-PPA. pCVDs were compared among the 3 groups. The relationships between pCVD outcomes and various clinical variables were assessed. Logistical regression analyses were performed to determine the clinical factors associated with the presence of MvD in eyes with OAG. RESULTS: pCVDs corresponding to the VF-intact hemi-sectors and the entire ß-PPA, excluding the MvD area, were significantly lower in eyes with MvD than in matched sectors of eyes without MvD. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the presence of MvD and greater MvD angular extent were independently associated with lower global pCVD in OAG eyes (all P < .05). Logistic regression analyses showed that lower pCVD was the only factor significantly associated with the presence of MvD. CONCLUSIONS: Localized MvD was a strong predictor of generalized pCVD loss within the ß-PPA in OAG eyes.

Relationship Between Foveal Threshold and Macular Structure/Function/Vessel Density in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the hypothesis that macular structure, function, and vessel density (VD) measurements can predict foveal threshold (FT) outcomes in glaucomatous eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-five eyes from 195 subjects (134 subjects with early-to-moderate stage open-angle glaucoma and 61 healthy controls) who underwent optical coherence tomography angiography imaging and 24-2 visual field (VF) testing with FT measurements on the same day were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The association of FT with macular structural/functional/VD measurements was evaluated using partial correlation analyses with adjustment for age and linear regression analyses. RESULTS: FT showed significant correlations between the thickness of the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) (r=0.330, P<0.001) and the mean sensitivity (MS) of the central 5 and 10 degrees VF points (r=0.448, P<0.001 and r=0.361, P<0.001). Significant correlations were also found between FT and VD measurements at the inferior and superior parafoveal sectors (r=0.455, P<0.001 and r=0.438, P<0.001). In multivariate linear regression analyses controlling the covariates, the thickness of the mGCIPL, central 5 degrees VF MS, and parafoveal VD were significantly associated with FT (all P<0.001). There was also a significant association between FT and logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (ß=-5.647, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Macular VD along with mGCIPL thickness and central 5 degrees VF MS independently predict FT outcomes even in the eyes of patients with early-to-moderate stage open-angle glaucoma.

Hypertensive Phase Following Silicone Plate Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation.

PURPOSE: To estimate the incidence of hypertensive phase (HP) following silicone plate Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and to explore the risk factors for developing HP. METHODS: A total of 325 eyes from 325 patients who underwent Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) and were followed for at least 1 year were included. The HP was defined as IOP>21 mm Hg (with or without IOP-lowering medication) during the first 3 months after surgery. Eyes were divided into HP and non-HP development groups. Overall success was defined as reaching an IOP>5 and <22 mm Hg with (qualified success) or without (complete success) use of an IOP-lowering medication. Risk factors associated with HP development were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 325 eyes, 101 eyes (31.1%) experienced HP. For 24 eyes (23.8%), HP had not resolved by postoperative year 1. The HP group showed a significantly higher mean preoperative IOP than the non-HP group (37.1 ± 11.4 vs. 32.3 ± 11.2 mm Hg, P=0.004). The overall success rate was not significantly different between groups (81.2%, HP group vs. 89.7%, non-HP group; P=0.111); however, the complete success rate was significantly higher in the non-HP group (26.7% vs. 43.3%, P=0.003) at postoperative year 1. HP development was positively associated with preoperative IOP (odds ratio, 1.025; P=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Higher preoperative IOP was associated with the HP development. The non-HP group achieved a higher complete success rate when assessed at postoperative year 1.