Relationship between parapapillary atrophy and visual field abnormality in primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of parapapillary atrophy measured by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy to visual field sensitivity measured with standard automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

METHODS

Forty-seven eyes of 47 primary open-angle glaucoma patients with increased intraocular pressure (> or = 22 mm Hg) were enrolled. Optic nerve head topography and parapapillary atrophy (beta and alpha zones) were assessed by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Mean deviation and corrected pattern SD were assessed with standard automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry.

RESULTS

Beta and alpha zones were found in 23 (49%) and 47 (100%) eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma, respectively. The area of beta zone showed significant correlations with MD of standard automated perimetry, corrected pattern SD of standard automated perimetry, and corrected pattern SD of short-wavelength automated perimetry (Spearman r = -0.366, P = .012; r = 0.327, P = .025; and r = 0.436, P = .002, respectively). The area of alpha zone showed a significant correlation with mean deviation of standard automated perimetry (r = -0.378, P = .009). Mean MD of standard automated perimetry, mean corrected pattern SD of standard automated perimetry, and mean corrected pattern SD of short-wavelength automated perimetry were significantly worse in eyes with beta zone than in eyes without beta zone.

CONCLUSIONS

Parapapillary atrophy measured by confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, especially beta zone, is associated with glaucomatous visual field loss demonstrated by standard automated perimetry and short-wavelength automated perimetry.