A Sectoral Analysis of Vessel Density Measurements in Perimetrically Intact Regions of Glaucomatous Eyes: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

PURPOSE

To study sectoral vessel density (VD) and structural alterations in the peripapillary and parafoveal hemiretina corresponding to perimetrically intact regions of glaucomatous eyes with hemifield defects and to compare these with healthy eyes using optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 37 eyes with open-angle glaucoma having visual fields defects restricted to 1 hemifield and 45 age-matched controls. Peripapillary VD and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were measured in 8 sectors. Parafoveal VD and ganglion cell complex thickness were measured in the superior and inferior hemispheres of the macula. These parameters were compared between the intact hemiretinae of glaucomatous eyes and corresponding sectors of healthy eyes using the t test.

RESULTS

Within the perimetrically intact regions of glaucomatous eyes, the mean VD and RNFL thickness were significantly reduced in inferotemporal, superonasal, and nasal upper peripapillary sectors as compared with healthy eyes (P<0.008). The temporal upper sector had reduced mean VD (60.3% vs. 62.9%, P=0.04) despite similar mean RNFL thickness (P=0.18). The superotemporal sector had decreased mean RNFL thickness (121 vs. 138 µm, P=0.0001) despite similar VD (P=0.06). At the macula, ganglion cell complex thickness was reduced in the superior and inferior hemispheres, but mean VD was reduced in the superior parafoveal region only.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripapillary and parafoveal vascular changes precede functional decline. The extent of VD reduction and RNFL thinning varies in different peripapillary sectors and longitudinal studies are required to better understand the temporal relationship of vascular and RNFL loss.