Abstract
Purpose :
The biomechanical properties of the sclera are thought to be an important characteristic in axial myopia and glaucoma. Longer eyes are expected to have lower rigidity due to connective tissue alterations. Axial myopia is also a risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The purpose of this study is to compare ocular rigidity (OR) in axial myopic and non-myopic eyes with concomitant POAG, as measured using an optical method.
Methods :
Dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the choroid is coupled with an automated segmentation algorithm to measure the pulsatile choroidal volume change, and estimate OR using the Friedenwald equation. A Welch t-test was conducted to compare differences between groups.
Results :
Fifty-three adults diagnosed with POAG (25 axial myopic eyes and 28 non-myopic eyes) were recruited in this study. There was a significant difference (p=0.02) in the OR coefficients between glaucomatous myopic and non-myopic eyes (0.019 ± 0.007/μL vs 0.028 ± 0.014/μL). A negative correlation between OR and AL was also found in all eyes (p<0.001).
Conclusions :
Our findings demonstrate that eyes with axial myopia and concomitant POAG have lower OR than those with POAG only. We also show a negative correlation between OR and axial length. Future longitudinal investigations of OR change over time using our non-invasive method may help elucidate the link between axial myopia and POAG.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.