Correlation between ocular pulse amplitude measured by dynamic contour tonometer and visual field defects

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• Visual field defects are a primary indicator of glaucoma progression.
• Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) is a measure of intraocular pressure variation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and visual field defects in patients with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and glaucoma suspicion.
• To determine if OPA is an independent predictor of visual field parameters using the Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometer.

Main Methods:

• Seventy-seven eyes from 42 patients were analyzed.
• OPA was measured using the dynamic contour tonometer by a masked investigator.
• Visual fields were assessed within three months and analyzed for mean defect (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD).

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between OPA and MD and PSD, even after adjusting for intraocular pressure (IOP).
• A weak correlation was observed between OPA and the evolution of MD over time.
• This correlation weakened and became non-significant after correction for IOP, diagnostic group, and eye.

Conclusions:

• A small ocular pulse amplitude is correlated with moderate to severe glaucomatous visual field loss.
• Reduced OPA may serve as a potential risk factor for the development of glaucomatous visual field defects.