Dynamics of the association between visual and auditory functional changes in glaucoma. Preliminary results

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neurology
• Audiology

Background:

• Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, involves optic nerve degeneration.
• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) may present with central neurodegenerative changes, including hearing loss.
• Understanding the link between visual and auditory deficits in glaucoma is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between visual field defects and auditory function in patients with POAG.
• To compare auditory and visual parameters between glaucoma patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, cross-sectional study involving 16 POAG patients and 12 healthy controls (mean age ~62 years).
• Ophthalmological assessments, Pure-tone audiometry (PTA), and brain MRI were conducted.
• Visual field (VF) parameters and audiometric data were analyzed.

Main Results:

• POAG patients showed altered PTA and VF parameters compared to controls.
• Left ear PTA demonstrated a significant, moderate, indirect correlation with mean defect (MD) and slope profile of the left eye.
• Right ear PTA showed a weaker, indirect correlation with right eye MD, Cal HOV, and slope profile.

Conclusions:

• POAG patients exhibit audiometric changes linked to ophthalmological parameters, suggesting auditory system involvement.
• The findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists for glaucoma patient management.
• Addressing both visual and auditory health is vital for improving the quality of life in glaucoma patients.