[Risk factors for visual field loss progression in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in Wenzhou area]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Visual Field Analysis

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.
• Understanding risk factors for visual field (VF) loss progression is crucial for timely intervention.
• Previous studies have identified various factors, but comprehensive analysis in specific populations is ongoing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate risk factors associated with the progression of visual field loss in patients with POAG.
• To analyze the influence of ocular parameters such as axial length (AL) and central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) metrics on VF loss progression.

Main Methods:

• A prospective nested case-control study involving 140 POAG patients from the Wenzhou Glaucoma Progression Study.
• Eyes were categorized into progression and non-progression groups based on VF loss.
• Data collected included baseline age, AL, CCT, and various IOP parameters (baseline, mean, fluctuation) over the follow-up period.

Main Results:

• 19.3% of eyes showed VF loss progression over a median follow-up of 24 months.
• Significant risk factors for progression included older baseline age, higher baseline IOP, higher mean IOP, and greater IOP fluctuation.
• Shorter axial length (AL) was a protective factor, while CCT was not significantly associated with VF loss progression.

Conclusions:

• Older age, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (both baseline and mean), and increased IOP fluctuation are significant risk factors for POAG progression.
• Shorter axial length (AL) is associated with a higher risk of VF loss progression, whereas longer AL is protective.
• These findings emphasize the importance of monitoring IOP and considering age and AL in managing POAG patients to prevent vision loss.