Macular vessel density reduction rate in POAG influenced by baseline measurements

In patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the rate of macular vessel density (mVD) was significantly influenced by macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness and parapapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness measurements at baseline, according to a study.

In this prospective cohort study, 102 eyes with POAG were followed for 36.6 ± 6.4 months and the rates of progression were estimated by linear models.

The respective rate of progression by linear regression per month was -0.102±0.054 μm for mGCIPL thickness, -0.160±0.086 μm for pRNFL thickness, and -0.199±0.073 % mVD. The agreement in detection of progression was poor. Baseline mGCIPL thickness, baseline pRNFL thickness, and baseline mVD (P ≤ 0.001) significantly influenced the rate of progression of mVD. Baseline mVD was not a significant factor influencing the rates of progression of mGCIPL thickness and pRNFL thickness. Compared with mGCIPL and mVD, pRNFL thickness had a better survival probability (P = 0.025).

Reference
Ye C, Wang X, Chak-yan M, et al. Progression of macular vessel density in primary open angle glaucoma: a longitudinal study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2020; DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajo.2020.10.008