Comparison of Optic Ne rve Head Blood Flow in Normal-tension Glaucoma with Asymmetric Visual Field Loss

ABSTRACT

To evaluate intraindividual, interocular differences in blood flow of the optic nerve head in normal-tension glaucoma(NTG)patients with interocular asymmetric visual field loss, thirty-eight eyes of 19 NTG patients(mean age+/-SD, 56.1+/-15.0 years)with interocular asymmetric visual field loss of >3dB in the mean deviation or corrected pattern standard deviation were measured for the blood flow parameters(Volume, Velocity, Flow)at the temporal rim of the optic nerve head using scanning laser Doppler flowmetry(Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter or HRF). Measurements for peripapillary atrophy(area of zone beta)were performed using scanning laser tomography (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph). Visual field defects were evaluated by automated static threshold perimetry. The mean+/-standard deviation of the mean defect of the visual field indices was -1.38+/-3.02dB for the less affected eyes, and -6.23+/-3.84dB for the more affected eyes. All blood flow parameters were significantly smaller in the less affected eyes(0.004 blood flow parameters(r=0.502, p=0.029). The optic nerve head blood flow seems to be decreased in the more affected eyes in NTG patients with interocular asymmetric visual field loss. Close relationship was suggested between peripapillary atrophy and blood flow in the optic nerve head in NTG.