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Retinal vessel diameters and incident open-angle glaucoma and optic disc changes: the Rotterdam study
M Kamran Ikram1, Simone de Voogd, Roger C W Wolfs
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|March 26, 2005
Summary
Reduced retinal vessel size does not predict open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or optic disc changes. This study found no evidence that retinal blood flow plays a role in OAG development.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is associated with reduced retinal blood flow and smaller arterioles.
- It is unclear if these vascular changes are a cause or consequence of ganglion cell loss in OAG.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between baseline retinal vessel diameters and the incidence of OAG.
- To determine if baseline retinal vessel diameters predict incident optic disc changes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, population-based Rotterdam Study.
- Measured baseline retinal arteriole and venule diameters in 3469 participants (aged ≥55 years).
- Followed participants for incident OAG and optic disc changes over a mean of 6.5 years.
Main Results:
- Neither arteriolar nor venular diameters were significantly associated with incident OAG.
- Baseline retinal vessel diameters did not predict changes in optic disc parameters.
- Results remained consistent after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Baseline retinal vessel diameters do not influence the risk of developing OAG.
- No evidence supports a role for retinal vascular factors in the pathogenesis of OAG.
- Retinal vascular changes are likely a consequence, not a cause, of OAG.