Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Vascular Microcirculation in Eyes With Glaucoma and Single-Hemifield Visual Field Loss

Abstract

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide¹ and is characterized by the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, characteristic changes of the optic nerve head (ONH) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and associated visual field (VF) defects.^2-5 Although the pathogenesis of glaucoma is still not fully understood, elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and impairment of ocular blood flow have been recognized as 2 major contributing factors to its development and progression.^6-8 Significant reduction in ocular blood flow in eyes with glaucoma compared with normal eyes has been reported in the ONH, retina, and choroid.^9-11 Furthermore, eyes with progression of glaucoma have shown significantly lower ONH perfusion compared with eyes with glaucoma without progression.^11-13