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Optic disc haemorrhages and vascular abnormalities in a glaucoma population
C J Barry1, R L Cooper, R H Eikelboom
1Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute, Perth, Australia.
Summary
Glaucoma patients frequently experience optic disc hemorrhages and vascular changes, particularly those with low-tension glaucoma. This study highlights these vascular abnormalities in glaucoma populations.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vascular Biology
- Glaucoma Research
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Optic disc hemorrhages and vascular abnormalities are potential indicators of glaucoma progression.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of optic disc hemorrhages, vascular occlusions, and abnormalities in a glaucoma patient cohort.
- To compare the incidence of these findings between different glaucoma subtypes and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of optic disc photographs from 906 eyes of glaucoma and suspect glaucoma patients.
- Follow-up periods ranged from 1 to 14 years.
- Comparison with a control group of 39 subjects using Fisher's exact test.
Main Results:
- Optic disc hemorrhages were observed in 7.4% of eyes, with the highest frequency (37.5%) in the low-tension glaucoma group.
- Vascular changes included central retinal vein occlusions (2.8%), branch vein occlusions (1.3%), disc vessel abnormalities (1.2%), and disc collaterals (1.1%).
- Discrete nerve fiber layer hemorrhages and microaneurysms were found in 0.8% and 1.8% of eyes, respectively.
Conclusions:
- A significant percentage (16.8%) of eyes exhibited disc hemorrhages or vascular changes.
- Low-tension glaucoma showed a notably high rate of optic disc hemorrhages.
- The study confirms vascular and hemorrhagic changes in glaucoma, with microaneurysms and nerve fiber layer hemorrhages noted for further investigation.