Risk Factors for Visual Field Progression in the Glaucoma Imaging Longitudinal Study

Abstract

 

Abstract:

 

To determine risk factors for visual field progressionin the Glaucoma Imaging Longitudinal Study (GILS).

 

We examined GILS participants (n= 205) every 6 monthswith Humphrey 24–2 SITA FAST visual fields, macular thicknessmeasurements (Retinal Thickness Analyzer, Talia Technologies),optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer measurements (HRT II,Heidelberg Engineering). Eyes were classified as having visualfield progression by two methods: 1) linear regression (LR)of single points (LRSP), of clusters of points (LRCP), and ofthe global parameters MD and PSD (LRMD, LRPSD); and 2) by GlaucomaProgression Analysis (GPA). A statistically significant, negativeslope indicated progression for the LR methods. Progressionby LRSP required 3 points with statistically significant slopes.

 

252 eyes of 170 subjects had at least 2 visual fieldsafter their baseline exam.

 

Visual field progression rate for each method:

 

 

^{Progressors by LRSP did not differ from non–progressors(n=148) in gender (46% vs. 41% female), age (mean, 71 vs. 68y), or ethnicity (79% vs. 73% white).}

 

Comparison of structural measurements between eyes progressing(by LRSP) and not progressing (by LRSP):

 

 

^{Glaucomatous eyes with greater structural evidenceof damage (inferior macular thickness and cup shape measure)at baseline were more likely to sustain subsequent visual fieldloss than those with lesser damage; however, not all structuralparameters differentiated between progressing and non–progressingeyes.}

 

 

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment • imaging/image analysis: clinical