The Optic Nerve Head in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Eyes With High Myopia: Characteristics and Association With...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Myopia Studies

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• High myopia is an increasingly recognized risk factor for various ocular pathologies.
• Understanding optic neuropathy morphology in myopic POAG is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the morphologic characteristics of the optic nerve in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes with high myopia.
• To determine the association between these optic nerve characteristics and visual field (VF) defects in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 375 Taiwanese POAG patients (ages 20-60).
• Planimetric measurements of optic disc morphology from disc photographs.
• Classification of myopic refraction (high myopia vs. nonhigh myopia) and optic disc area (moderate, large, small).

Main Results:

• Tilted, large, or small optic discs were prevalent in highly myopic POAG eyes.
• Large discs showed higher cup-to-disc (C/D) area ratio and tilt ratio; small discs had smaller rim area and lower tilt ratio.
• Refraction, C/D area ratio, rim area, and tilt ratio were associated with visual field defects.

Conclusions:

• Tilted, large, or small optic discs are common in highly myopic eyes with POAG.
• Disc tilt and high myopia independently correlate with the severity of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
• These findings highlight the importance of assessing optic disc morphology in myopic POAG patients.