Reduced choroidal blood flow can induce visual field defect in open angle glaucoma patients without intraocular...

To determine the cause of the progressive glaucomatous visual field defects in three patients after an encircling scleral buckle for a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Scanning laser Doppler flowmetry and visual field tests were performed on three cases with unilateral progressive visual field defect after an encircling scleral buckling for a RRD. Similar measurements were made after the buckle was removed.

After implanting the scleral buckle, the intraocular pressure was normal and chamber angle was open. The blood flow in the neuroretinal rim of the optic disk was lower than that in the healthy fellow eye. After removing the buckle, the blood flow improved to normal levels and a further worsening of the visual field was not detected.

These results suggest that an encircling scleral buckle may impair choroidal circulation and lead to visual field defects similar to eyes with normal tension glaucoma.