Glaucoma Progression Is Associated With Decreased Blood Flow Velocities in the Short Posterior Ciliary Artery

Abstract

 

Purpose:

 

An altered perfusion of the optic nerve head has been proposed as a pathogenic factor in glaucoma. Aim of the study was to investigate potential differences in ocular hemodynamics between glaucoma patients with progressive versus stable disease as well as healthy volunteers.

 

Methods:

 

Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end–diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistivity index (RI) in the short posterior ciliary artery (SPCA), central retinal artery (CRA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) were recorded in 114 consecutive glaucoma patients with an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg as well as 40 healthy volunteers by color Doppler imaging (CDI).

 

Results:

 

12 out of 114 glaucoma patients showed glaucoma progression (follow–up period: 10 months). CDI measurements in these patients detected decreased PSV and EDV in the SPCA and decreased PSV in the CRA compared with stable glaucoma patients and healthy controls. No differences in flow velocities were found for the OA. IOP and systemic blood pressure were similar in all three groups. The results are summarized in the table; asterisk denotes significance.

 

Conclusions:

 

Progressive glaucoma is associated with decreased blood flow velocities in the small retrobulbar vessels. The detected difference in blood flow could be a primary, possibly causative factor in the deterioration of optic nerve function in glaucoma.  

 

Keywords: blood supply • optic disc