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Doppler Optical Coherence Tomography of Retinal Circulation
Published on: September 18, 2012
Subfoveal choroidal blood flow and central retinal function in early glaucoma
Dario Marangoni1, Benedetto Falsini, Alberto Colotto
1Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. dariomarangoni80@yahoo.it
Acta Ophthalmologica
|January 25, 2012
Summary
Early glaucoma patients show reduced choroidal blood flow (ChBF) and velocity (ChBVel), but not volume (ChBVol). This blood flow alteration is not linked to vision loss severity in early manifest glaucoma (EMG).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma Research
- Ocular Blood Flow
Background:
- Early manifest glaucoma (EMG) is characterized by optic nerve damage.
- Understanding the pathophysiology of EMG is crucial for timely intervention.
- Choroidal blood flow (ChBF) alterations may play a role in glaucoma progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess subfoveal choroidal blood flow (ChBF) in patients with early manifest glaucoma (EMG).
- To compare ChBF with functional measures like standard automated perimetry (SAP) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG).
- To investigate the relationship between ChBF and central retinal dysfunction in EMG.
Main Methods:
- Subfoveal ChBF, blood volume (ChBVol), and velocity (ChBVel) were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry.
- 24 EMG patients and 23 age-matched controls were included.
- PERG and SAP (Humphrey 30-2) were recorded in all participants.
Main Results:
- EMG patients exhibited significantly reduced ChBVel (30%) and ChBF (33.4%) compared to controls (p < 0.01).
- No significant difference in subfoveal ChBVol was observed between groups.
- PERG amplitudes were reduced by 46% in EMG patients (p < 0.01), but no correlation was found with ChBF parameters.
Conclusions:
- Significant alterations in ChBVel and ChBF are present in early manifest glaucoma.
- These hemodynamic changes do not correlate with the severity of central retinal dysfunction in EMG.
- Findings suggest a potential role for vascular factors in early glaucomatous damage, impacting treatment strategies.
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