Anterior Segment Biometry in Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma Patients with Visual Field Progression: Comparison...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Anterior Segment Imaging

Background:

• Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is a significant cause of vision loss.
• Understanding racial variations in anterior segment parameters is crucial for PACG management.
• Previous studies suggest ethnic differences in ocular anatomy relevant to PACG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare anterior segment biometry in progress and non-progress PACG patients between Malay and Chinese ethnicities.
• To identify specific biometric parameters that differ between racial groups in PACG.
• To assess the influence of race on PACG progression.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 75 Malay and Chinese PACG patients.
• Anterior segment biometry (Axial Length, Anterior Chamber Depth, Anterior Chamber Angle) was measured using noncontact partial coherence interferometry and AS-OCT.
• Visual field progression was assessed using the Hodapp, Parrish and Anderson classification.

Main Results:

• Chinese PACG patients had significantly shorter Axial Length and narrower Anterior Chamber Angles compared to Malays.
• In the progress group, Chinese patients exhibited shorter Axial Length, shallower Anterior Chamber Depth, and narrower Anterior Chamber Angles.
• After adjusting for confounding factors, only Anterior Chamber Angle showed a significant difference between Malays and Chinese PACG patients.

Conclusions:

• Racial differences exist in ocular biometry among PACG patients, with Chinese individuals generally having narrower Anterior Chamber Angles.
• Serial Anterior Segment-OCT monitoring is vital for managing PACG patients, especially considering ethnic variations.
• While some initial differences were noted, ocular biometry measurements did not significantly differ between progress and non-progress groups after controlling for confounders.