Progression of Macular Vessel Density in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Retinal Imaging Analysis

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Monitoring disease progression is crucial for timely intervention.
• Macular vessel density (mVD), macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness, and parapapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness are key indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the progression rate of macular vessel density (mVD) in patients with POAG.
• To investigate the relationship between mVD progression and changes in mGCIPL and pRNFL thickness.
• To identify factors influencing the progression of these ocular parameters.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study followed 102 eyes with POAG for an average of 36.6 months.
• Rates of progression for mVD, mGCIPL, and pRNFL were estimated using linear models.
• Linear mixed modeling and Kappa statistics were employed to analyze progression and agreement between parameters.

Main Results:

• All three parameters (mGCIPL, pRNFL, mVD) showed a decrease over the follow-up period.
• The rate of mVD reduction was significantly influenced by baseline mGCIPL, pRNFL, and mVD.
• Agreement in detecting progression among the three parameters was poor (Kappa = 0.098).

Conclusions:

• Macular vessel density, mGCIPL, and pRNFL thickness decline in POAG eyes.
• Baseline measurements are significant predictors for the rate of mVD progression.
• pRNFL thickness demonstrated a better survival probability compared to mGCIPL and mVD.