Factors Associated with Lamina Cribrosa Microvasculature Determined via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

Abstract

Prcis: The lamina cribrosa microvasculature reduction was associated with the posterior deformation of lamina cribrosa, as well as the functional deterioration, in all spectrums of open-angle glaucoma.

Purpose: To investigate the factors associated with the lamina cribrosa vessel density (LCVD) determined via swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Materials and methods: The optic nerve head (ONH) scan was obtained using SS-OCTA (PLEX Elite 9000; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc., Dublin, CA, USA). The lamina cribrosa curvature index (LCCI) was assessed using seven horizontal B-scan images across the ONH. The LCVD was calculated from the segmented layer at the level of lamina cribrosa (LC). Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) eyes were categorized into two groups according to the visual field mean deviation (VF MD) (mild to moderate [≥ -12 dB] and advanced [< -12 dB]). The factors associated with the LCVD were evaluated using linear regression analysis.

Results: A total of 127 POAG and 43 healthy eyes were included. POAG eyes showed significantly thinner circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular ganglion cell inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL), lower LCVD, and greater LCCI compared to healthy eyes (all P<0.05). In the mild to moderate group, lower LCVD was associated with worse VF MD, thinner cpRNFL and mGCIPL, and greater LCCI (all P<0.05). In the advanced group, the LCVD was associated with VF MD and LCCI (both P<0.05). A greater LCVD was correlated with a greater LCCI in the healthy group (P =0.045).

Conclusions: Reduced LCVD was associated with an increased LCCI in all spectrums of POAG. LC deformation may affect the ONH microvasculature in glaucoma.