Rate of visual field loss in progressive glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Visual Field Analysis

Background:

• Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by visual field (VF) loss.
• Understanding the rate of VF loss in different glaucoma subtypes is crucial for patient management.
• Normal-pressure glaucoma (NPG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) are common forms, with ocular hypertension (OHT) as a precursor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the rate of visual field (VF) loss in patients with NPG and POAG.
• To determine if initial VF status or the presence of optic disc hemorrhages influences the rate of VF deterioration.
• To assess the applicability of linear regression in analyzing VF loss progression.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study followed 34 NPG, 68 POAG, and 125 OHT patients for approximately 9 years.
• Annual automated perimetry was used to obtain visual field data.
• The rate of VF loss was calculated as a percentage per year.

Main Results:

• The mean rates of VF deterioration were 3.7% per year in NPG and 2.5% per year in POAG, with no significant difference.
• No significant difference in VF loss rate was observed between eyes with and without optic disc hemorrhages.
• The rate of VF loss was not correlated with the initial VF status.

Conclusions:

• The rate of visual field loss is comparable between NPG and POAG.
• Progression of VF loss is not influenced by initial VF status or optic disc hemorrhages.
• Linear regression analysis for VF loss progression is only effective in a subset of patients.