Relationship between the Macular Microvasculature and Central Visual Field Sensitivity in Patients with...

To evaluate the relationship between central visual field sensitivity (cVFS) and the structural parameters in patients with advanced glaucoma.

Cross-sectional study.

In total, 226 eyes of 226 patients with advanced glaucoma were classified into the "minor central defect" (mean deviation on 10-2 visual field test [MD10] > -10 dB) and "significant central defect" (MD10 ≤ -10 dB) groups. We examined the structural parameters using RTVue OCT and angiography, including the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, peripapillary vessel density (VD), and superficial and deep macular VD (mVD). The assessment of cVFS included MD10 and the mean deviation of the central 16 points on the 10-2 VF test (MD16). We used Pearson correlation and segmented regression to assess the global and regional relationships between the structural parameters and cVFS.

Correlation between structural parameters and cVFS.

In the minor central defect group, the best global correlations existed between the superficial macular and parafoveal mVD and MD16 (r = 0.52 and 0.54, P < 0.001). In the significant central defect group, superficial mVD best correlated with MD10 (r = 0.47, P < 0.001). Segmented regression between superficial mVD and cVFS revealed no breakpoint was found as MD10 declined, but a breakpoint was identified at -5.95 dB for MD16, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The regional correlations between the grid VD and sectors of the central 16 points were significant (r = 0.20-0.53, P= 0.010 ∼P < 0.001).

The fair global and regional relationships between mVD and cVFS suggest that mVD may be beneficial for monitoring cVFS in patients with advanced glaucoma.

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.