Posters

Peripapillary vessel density in eyes with preperimetric glaucoma

Poster Details

First Author: A.Ragkousis GREECE

Co Author(s): G. Mangouritsas   A. Ragkousis   N. Koutropoulou   E. Boutouri   I. Armenis        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To investigate the characteristics of the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) network in eyes with unilateral preperimetric glaucoma (PPG) using optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A).

Setting:

Cross-sectional observational study in a tertiary care hospital (Eye Clinic, General Hospital “Red Cross”, Athens, Greece)

Methods:

We studied 10 consecutive non-diabetic patients without visual field defects in white-on-white automated perimetry, with cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio asymmetry and higher intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye with the larger excavation, who showed abnormal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and/or abnormal ganglion cell complex (GCC) obtained by Optovue AngioVue. OCT-A of the optic disc and the peripapillary area was also performed. Structural and vascular features were qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated and compared between the eyes of each patient.

Results:

Mean C/D area ratio was 0,59 ± 0,06 in PPG and 0,49 ± 0,07 in non-PPG eyes. There was a statistically significant difference of RPC density between the PPG eyes and the fellow non-PPG eyes (46,7% ± 3,08% versus 50,78% ± 3,45%, p < 0,01). RNFL defects and GCC thinning were spatially correlated with areas of decreased vessel density. Three PPG eyes showed lower RPC density associated with abnormal GCC, whereas RNFL thickness was not abnormal.

Conclusions:

Peripapillary vessel density can be reduced in PPG eyes. Abnormalities in peripapillary microvasculature may appear before any evident visual field defect. PPG eyes may demonstrate decreased RPC density before an abnormal peripapillary RNFL thinning. OCT-A can be incorporated as a new tool in early glaucoma diagnosis.

Financial Disclosure:

None