An evaluation of ocular elasticity using real-time ultrasound elastography in primary open-angle glaucoma

The aim of this study was to compare sonoelastographic findings in the retina-choroid-sclera (RCS) complex and vitreous in glaucomatous and healthy eyes.

For this cross-sectional comparative study, 20 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. Ultrasound elastography measurements were taken with a sonographic scanner of the RCS complex, anterior vitreous (AV), posterior vitreous (PV), retrobulbar fat tissue (RFT), optic disc (OD) and optic nerve (ON) in each eye.

The elasticity index of the RCS complex, RFT, OD, ON, AV and PV was similar in both groups (p  >  0.05), although the AV/PV strain ratio in the group of patients with glaucoma was significantly higher (p  =  0.04).

Glaucoma increases the AV/PV strain ratio. In providing reproducible and consistent values, the real-time elastography (RTE) technique may be helpful in elucidating the mechanisms of glaucoma in some aspects.

This study can help to evaluate the elasticity of the RCS complex and vitreous in glaucomatous eyes with RTE.