Risk factors for progressive visual field loss in primary open angle glaucoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate routine ophthalmic data to identify clinically useful risk factors for progressive visual field loss in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) already receiving intraocular pressure-lowering treatments.

A retrospective cohort study design was used. Routine ophthalmic data for all subjects were obtained from case records with the knowledge that baseline clinical data had been collected in a standardised manner. Progression was defined according to the AGIS visual field defect scoring system. Variables evaluated as candidate risk factors for progression were assessed by survival analysis. Factors exerting a significant effect on survival were subsequently tested in a Cox proportional hazards model.

A cohort of 108 eligible POAG patients was followed over an average of 3.6 years, with an average visual field intertest interval of 8 months. The incidence rate of progressive loss among the cohort was 5.4 cases per 100 person years. Increasing age was found to be independently associated with a small but significantly increased risk of glaucomatous visual field defect progression (hazard ratio 1.07, P=0.022), and a borderline association was also demonstrated with being male (hazard ratio 2.76, P=0.057).

This retrospective investigation has provided preliminary information on factors associated with increased risk of progressive glaucomatous visual field loss that may inform clinical care strategies. Lack of concordance with other studies suggests that further prospective investigations are needed if risk stratification strategies are to be employed in caring for patients with chronic open-angle glaucoma.