Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
07:11
Assessing Early Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma in Patients by Isolated-Check Visual Evoked Potential
Published on: May 25, 2020
Relationship between central corneal thickness and visual field defect in open-angle glaucoma.
Wenzhong Lin1, Yumiko Aoyama, Kazuhide Kawase
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.
Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Central corneal thickness (CCT) is linked to visual field defects in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Thicker corneas correlate with better visual field indices, particularly in normal-tension glaucoma.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Corneal Physiology
Background:
- Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a key ocular parameter with potential implications in glaucoma.
- Understanding the relationship between CCT and visual field defects is crucial for glaucoma management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between central corneal thickness (CCT) and the severity of visual field defects in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).
- To determine if this association differs between normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) subtypes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 344 eyes from 344 patients with OAG (233 NTG, 111 POAG).
- Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between CCT and visual field defect severity.
- Patients were categorized into early, moderate, or severe visual field defect groups based on Anderson's classification.
Main Results:
- A significant association between CCT and visual field defect was found in eyes with NTG, but not in POAG or the overall cohort.
- Eyes with early visual field defects exhibited greater CCT (533.2 µm) compared to those with severe defects (519.0 µm).
- Higher CCT was correlated with better visual field indices (e.g., -6.91 dB vs. -9.17 dB for thicker vs. thinner corneas, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Central corneal thickness is a significant factor associated with visual field defect status in OAG, particularly NTG.
- Greater CCT is linked to better visual field indices, suggesting a protective role or altered biomechanical properties.
- Glaucoma subtype, such as NTG versus POAG, influences the impact of CCT on visual field defect progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...