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Background/Objectives: We aimed to investigate the genetic loci related to disc hemorrhage (DH) and the relationship of causation between DH and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in East Asian individuals. Methods: The GWAS included 8488 Koreans who underwent ocular examination including fundus photography to determine the presence of DH and POAG. We performed a GWAS to identify significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with DH and analyzed the heritability of DH and genetic correlation between DH and POAG. The identified SNPs were utilized as instrumental variables (IVs) for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The POAG outcome dataset was adopted from Biobank Japan data (n = 179,351). Results: We found that the rs62463744 (TMEM270;ELN), rs11658281 (CCDC42), and rs77127203 (PDE10A;LINC00473) SNPs were associated with DH. The SNP heritability of DH was estimated to be 6.7%, with an absence of a genetic correlation with POAG. MR analysis did not reveal a causal association between DH and POAG for East Asian individuals. Conclusions: The novel loci underlying DH in the Korean cohort revealed SNPs in the ELN, CCDC41, and LINC00473 genes. The absence of a causal association between DH and POAG implies that DH is a shared risk factor, rather than an independent culprit factor, and warrants further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: We aimed to investigate the genetic loci related to disc hemorrhage (DH) and the relationship of causation between DH and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in East Asian individuals. Methods: The GWAS included 8488 Koreans who underwent ocular examination including fundus photography to determine the presence of DH and POAG. We performed a GWAS to identify significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with DH and analyzed the heritability of DH and genetic correlation between DH and POAG. The identified SNPs were utilized as instrumental variables (IVs) for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The POAG outcome dataset was adopted from Biobank Japan data (n = 179,351). Results: We found that the rs62463744 (TMEM270;ELN), rs11658281 (CCDC42), and rs77127203 (PDE10A;LINC00473) SNPs were associated with DH. The SNP heritability of DH was estimated to be 6.7%, with an absence of a genetic correlation with POAG. MR analysis did not reveal a causal association between DH and POAG for East Asian individuals. Conclusions: The novel loci underlying DH in the Korean cohort revealed SNPs in the ELN, CCDC41, and LINC00473 genes. The absence of a causal association between DH and POAG implies that DH is a shared risk factor, rather than an independent culprit factor, and warrants further investigation.

PurposeTo evaluate the thinning of the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) in primary open-angle glaucoma eyes with and without a history of disc hemorrhage (DH).DesignObservational cohort study.ParticipantsThirty-nine 39 eyes (34 participants) with DH and 117 eyes (104 participants) without DH from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study and the African Decent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study.MethodsParticipants had at least 1.5 years of follow-up, with a minimum of 3 visits with biannual spectral-domain OCT cpRNFL and mGCIPL thickness measurements and visual fields (VFs). The rates of cpRNFL and mGCIPL thinning were calculated using mixed-effects models. The dynamic range-based normalized rates of cpRNFL and mGCIPL thinning were calculated and compared between the DH and non-DH groups.Main outcome measuresRates of cpRNFL and mGCIPL thinning.ResultsThe rate of mGCIPL thinning was significantly faster in the DH group compared with the non-DH group (-0.62 μm/year vs. -0.38 μm/year; P = 0.024). The rate of cpRNFL thinning in the DH quadrant and rate of mGCIPL thinning in the inferotemporal sector in the DH group were faster than the corresponding regions in the non-DH group after adjusting for intraocular pressure (-1.33 μm/year vs. -0.58 μm/year; P = 0.053) and race (-0.82 μm/year vs. -0.44 μm/year; P = 0.048). In the DH group, percent rate of loss was significantly faster for the mGCIPL than the cpRNFL (-1.59 %/year vs. -1.31 %/year; P = 0.046). Rates of mGCIPL thinning were associated weakly with mean deviation slope, VF index slope, and guided progression analysis (GPA). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for VF progression were 0.75 for mGCIPL and 0.56 for cpRNFL in the DH group.ConclusionsThe rate of mGCIPL and cpRNFL thinning was faster in DH eyes than non-DH eyes. Compared with cpRNFL, mGCIPL showed higher proportional rates of thinning and greater association with functional progression. In addition to cpRNFL, clinicians should consider incorporating mGCIPL imaging to monitor glaucoma progression, especially in glaucoma eyes with DH.

PrecisIn this prospective cohort study, disc hemorrhages were associated with more severe central damage on 24-2 and 10-2 visual fields (VFs), and faster progression globally on 24-2 VFs and centrally on 10-2 VFs.PurposeTo study the relationship between disc hemorrhage (DH) and the presence and progression of glaucomatous central VF damage.MethodsCross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed on data from the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES) cohort. Two masked investigators reviewed disc photographs for the presence and location of DH. 24-2 central VF damage was based on the number of test locations within the central 10 degrees of the 24-2 field pattern deviation and their mean total deviation (MTD). 10-2 central VF damage was based on pattern deviation and MTD. Main outcome measures were the association between DH and presence of central VF damage and between DH and worsening of VF.ResultsDH was detected in 21 of 335 eyes (6.2%). In the cross-sectional analysis, DH was significantly associated with more severe central damage on 24-2 [incidence rate ratio=1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02-2.12; P=0.035] and 10-2 VFs (incidence rate ratio=1.81; 95% CI=1.26-2.60; P=0.001). In the longitudinal analysis, DH eyes progressed faster than non-DH eyes based on 24-2 global MTD rates (difference in slopes, β=-0.06; 95% CI=-0.11 to -0.01; P=0.009) and 10-2 MTD rates (β=-0.10; 95% CI=-0.14 to -0.06; P< 0.001), but not 24-2 central MTD rates (β=-0.02; 95% CI=-0.078 to 0.026; P=0.338).ConclusionDH was associated with the presence and progression of central VF defects. DH identification should prompt intensive central VF monitoring and surveillance with 10-2 fields to detect progression.

Disc hemorrhage (DH) is often associated with glaucoma progression. A vertically asymmetrical pattern is typical of glaucoma progression, but it remains unclear whether the association between DH and glaucoma progression differs between the superior and inferior hemiretinas. We compared the thickness changes of the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) in the hemiretinas of normal-tension glaucoma patients with or without DH, as well as between hemiretinas positive and negative for DH, during five years. Both the superior and inferior hemiretinas in the DH-positive group had a more negative GCC thickness slope in association with more DH counts compared to those in the DH-negative group. Conversely, only the inferior hemiretina exhibited a significant relationship between GCC thickness slope and DH counts when hemiretinas positive and negative for DH in the DH-positive group were compared. In the superior hemifield, the slope of the total deviation changes in the DH-positive hemifield of the DH-positive group was more negative compared to that of the DH-negative group. The association between DH and glaucoma progression in the macular GCC may be stronger in the inferior hemiretina, suggesting that more attention should be paid to DH in the inferior disc area as a sign of glaucoma progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report findings on the tilt angle of optic nerve heads (ONHs) that developed intrapapillary hemorrhage with adjacent peripapillary subretinal hemorrhage (IHAPSH) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Observations: Five consecutive patients who presented with IHAPSH were reviewed retrospectively. We reviewed five consecutive eyes from the five patients, analyzed the optic tilt angle obtained from SS-OCT B-scans, and compared the results and other clinical characteristics. All patients had larger optic disc tilt angles in the eyes with IHAPSH than in the contralateral, unaffected eye. The mean ratio of the tilt angle in the eyes with IHAPSH to that in the contralateral eye was 1.37 (95% confidence interval 1.15–1.58). Conclusions and Importance: The ONH of IHAPSH was evaluated quantitatively with SS-OCT for the first time in this study. Larger angle tilted discs in IHAPSH-affected eyes are anatomically and histologically more vulnerable and may explain why IHAPSH develops monocularly.

Abstract Background Disc hemorrhage (DH) is an important factor often associated with the development and especially progression of glaucoma. In contrast, some studies have reported peripapillary retinoschisis in glaucoma, but it is not recognized as a pathognomonic finding, and opinions on the clinical significance of retinoschisis are not consistent. Here,we present the case of DH following peripapillary retinoschisis in the same area within the same glaucomatous eye. Case presentation A 70-year-old man with high intraocular pressure (IOP) was referred to the glaucoma clinic. At the time of the baseline study, the IOP was 30mmHg, and peripapillary retinoschisis was discovered at 7 o’clock on the periphery of the optic nerve with swept-source optical coherence tomography. Accompanying retinal nerve fiber layer defect were manifest in the inferotemporal part with red-free fundus photography. Under the impression of open-angle glaucoma, we prescribe latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Eight months later, the IOP was 17mmHg, and the peripapillary retinoschisis had disappeared. DH was observed in the inferotemporal area in the same direction as that of the previous peripapillary retinoschisis. Conclusions The case presented here are the first to report on the relationship between peripapillary retinoschisis and DH. Hopefully future studies will reveal the actual connection between peripapillary retinoschisis and DH.

Koji Nitta,1,2 Shiro Shimamoto,3 Ryotaro Wajima,2 Gaku Tachibana,2 Yutaro Yamada,1,2 Miyuki Domoto,1 Ryuji Takeda,4,5 Yoshinari Takahashi,6 Kazuhisa Sugiyama2 1Fukui-ken Saiseikai Hospital, Fukui, Japan; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan; 3Shimamoto Ophthalmology Clinic, Fukui, Japan; 4Department of Nutritional Sciences for Well-Being, Faculty of Health Sciences for Welfare, Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, Osaka, Japan; 5Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Kindai University, Nara, Japan; 6Inary Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JapanCorrespondence: Koji NittaDepartment of Ophthalmology, Fukui-ken Saiseikai Hospital, 7-1 Funabashi, Wadanaka-cho, Fukui 918-8503, JapanTel +81 776 23 1111Fax +81 776 28 8515Email nitta.koji7001@fukui.saiseikai.or.jpBackground: This retrospective study evaluated the effect of adjunctive administration of brimonidine 0.1% on disc hemorrhage (DH) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or normal-tension glaucoma who were already treated with other anti-glaucoma drugs.Methods: Patients with DH, before adjunctive therapy with brimonidine, were enrolled. Subjects were excluded if their treatment regimen was changed within 1 year after initiation of adjunctive therapy with brimonidine. We investigated the frequency of DH and intraocular pressure (IOP). Both parameters were compared before and after adjunctive administration of brimonidine.Results: The frequency of DH before and after brimonidine administration was 0.67± 0.68 and 0.31± 0.72 times/year, respectively, with a significant decrease (P=0.01), and the mean IOP before and after brimonidine administration was 12.5± 1.9 and 11.2± 2.2 mmHg, respectively, (P=0.0006) with a significant reduction after adjunctive administration.Conclusion: The results of this study supported the hypothesis that the frequency of DH is reduced by brimonidine alongside lowering of IOP.Keywords: disc hemorrhage, intraocular pressure, brimonidine, primary open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of spontaneous venous pulsation (SVP) with disc hemorrhage (DH) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: Spontaneous venous pulsation was assessed and compared using a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope movie tool in 52 eyes of 52 patients with DH, and 111 eyes of 111 patients in without DH. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of DH. RESULTS: The frequency of SVP was 60.7% in overall patients with OAG. The absence of SVP was associated with lower untreated IOP (OR 0.880; P = 0.045), longer axial length (OR 1.654; P = 0.007), and worse visual field mean deviation (OR 0.884; P = 0.035). The absence of SVP was not significantly associated with DH by logistic analysis (OR 0.844; P = 0.626). Better visual field mean deviation (OR 1.098; P = 0.043), lower untreated IOP (OR 0.886; P = 0.021), and the tendency to cold hands (OR 2.688; P = 0.032) were associated with DH. CONCLUSIONS: In consecutive patients with OAG, the absence of SVP was not associated with DH.

Background: Disc hemorrhage (DH) is an important factor often associated with the development and especially progression of glaucoma. In contrast, some studies have reported peripapillary retinoschisis in glaucoma, but it is not recognized as a pathognomonic finding, and opinions on the clinical significance of retinoschisis are not consistent. Here,we present the case of DH following peripapillary retinoschisis in the same area within the same glaucomatous eye.Case Presentation: A 70-year-old man with high intraocular pressure (IOP) was referred to the glaucoma clinic. At the time of the baseline study, the IOP was 30mmHg, and peripapillary retinoschisis was discovered at 7 o'clock on the periphery of the optic nerve with swept-source optical coherence tomography. Accompanying retinal nerve fiber layer defect were manifest in the inferotemporal part with red-free fundus photography. Under the impression of open-angle glaucoma, we prescribe latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Eight months later, the IOP was 17mmHg, and the peripapillary retinoschisis had disappeared. DH was observed in the inferotemporal area in the same direction as that of the previous peripapillary retinoschisis.Conclusions: The case presented here are the first to report on the relationship between peripapillary retinoschisis and DH. Hopefully future studies will reveal the actual connection between peripapillary retinoschisis and DH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the clinical relevance of prelaminar wedge defects (PLWDs) detected by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). In this retrospective case–control study, PLWDs were defined as triangular-shaped defects at the surface of the optic nerve prelaminar tissue, not adjacent to blood vessels, present on cross-sectional SS-OCT scans. Two observers masked to diagnosis independently reviewed scans to detect PLWDs and lamina cribrosa defects. History of disc hemorrhage, occurring within 2 years prior to imaging, was obtained from chart review. One eye per subject was randomly selected. Two-sided t-tests, analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to explore demographic and clinical features associated with PLWDs. 40 POAG and 23 control eyes were included. PLWDS were found in 27.5% of POAG (n = 11) and 4.3% of controls (n = 1, p =.04). Eyes with repeat SS-OCT imaging (7 POAG and 0 controls) had persistent PLWDs. More POAG eyes with PLWDs had a history of disc hemorrhage (45.5%) than POAG eyes without PLWDs (3.4%, p =.004). On multivariable analysis, compared to POAG without PLWDs, POAG with PLWDs had increased odds of observed disc hemorrhage (OR = 21.6, 95% CI, 2.2–589.0, p =.02) after adjusting for age, gender, visual field mean deviation and maximum intraocular pressure (IOP). POAG with PLWDs had more lamina cribrosa defects (45.5%) than POAG without PLWDs (3.4%, p =.01) but did not differ significantly from controls (8.7%, p =.07). Compared to all patients without PLWDs, patients with PLWDs had increased odds of having lamina cribrosa defects (OR = 44.8; 95% CI, 6.3–703.6, p <.001) after adjusting for age, gender, and maximum IOP. PLWDs were more frequently found in POAG than control eyes and were associated with a history of disc hemorrhage and lamina cribrosa defects. PLWDs may be a useful imaging biomarker of glaucomatous damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disc hemorrhage is a characteristic finding that is highly associated with glaucoma development or progression. Consequently, the literature commonly designates disc hemorrhage as a "risk factor" for glaucoma progression; however, the exact cause-and-effect relationship or mechanism remains unclear. In this review, we discuss the emerging evidence that disc hemorrhage is a secondary development that follows glaucomatous damage. As our understanding of disc hemorrhage has progressed in recent decades, we suggest the terminology be changed from "risk factor" to "indicator" of ongoing glaucomatous development or progression for a more accurate description, better indication of the clinical implications and, ultimately, a better guide for future research. • Disc hemorrhage is closely associated with glaucoma development/progression. • Evidence shows critical pitfalls for designating disc hemorrhage as a "risk factor" for glaucoma. • An "indicator" of ongoing damage may be appropriate for the role of disc hemorrhage in glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koji Nitta,1 Kazuhisa Sugiyama,2 Ryotaro Wajima,1 Gaku Tachibana1 1Department of Ophthalmology, Fukui-ken Saiseikai Hospital, Fukui, 2Department of Ophthalmology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify differences between highly myopic and non-myopic primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, including normal-tension glaucoma patients.Patients and methods: A total of 269 POAG patients were divided into two groups: patients with ≥26.5 mm of axial length (highly myopic group) and patients with

Purpose: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of eyes with unilateral disc hemorrhage (DH) in different locations. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. DHs were classified by locations: the superior, superotemporal, inferotemporal, or inferior sectors of optic disc were classified as the susceptible area, while other sectors were defined as the less susceptible area. Structural and functional outcomes were analyzed by the Humphrey field analyzer and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Results: Forty-three eyes with DHs in the susceptible area were less myopic and had more peripapillary-type DH, larger cup-to-disc ratio, cup volume, and disc area. Thirty-three eyes with DHs in the less susceptible area had less association with RNFL defects, greater tilted ratio, and less torsion of the disc. Follow-up revealed that the change in sectoral RNFL (μm) thickness was significantly greater for DHs in the susceptible area within one year (− 6.0 ± 14.0 vs. 0.7 ± 13.0, p = 0.035) and two years (− 10.0 ± 17.4 vs. − 1.1 ± 7.6, p = 0.012), while the change in average RNFL thickness was not different. Eyes with DHs in the susceptible area had faster MD deterioration (dB/year) than those in the less susceptible area within four years (− 0.32 ± 0.51 vs. − 0.05 ± 0.45, p = 0.047). A total of 16.9% of eyes, all in the susceptible area, had localized VF progression at DH corresponding area. Conclusion: Disc hemorrhage in the superotemporal and inferotemporal regions had more subsequent structural and functional deterioration compared with the eyes with DHs in the temporal quadrant and nasal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In order to clarify the association between peripapillary vascular changes and disc hemorrhage (DH) occurrences over time, we analyzed the density of radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) and clinical parameters during follow-up periods in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods: Seventy-seven eyes of 77 NTG patients were subjected to analysis. We selected patients who had an initial optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) scan in 2015 and who had another OCTA scan in 2018 with both OCTA scans showing good-quality images. We investigated the relationships between DH occurrence and each of the following parameters: RPC density, circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness slope and total deviation (TD) slope. Results: In the period between the initial and final OCTA, we categorized the patients into 53 sides with DH (DH group) and 101 sides without DH (non-DH group). The ΔRPC density of sides with DH was significantly greater than that of sides without DH (DH, − 4.42 ± 6.43%; without DH, − 2.48 ± 5.29%; p = 0.0469). The cpRNFL thickness slope of sides with DH was significantly faster than that of sides without DH (DH, − 2.85 ± 3.17; without DH, − 0.74 ± 2.46 μm/y; p < 0.0001). The TD slope of sides with DH was significantly faster than that of sides without DH (DH, − 0.50 ± 0.77; without DH, − 0.22 ± 0.53 dB/y; p = 0.0163). As DH occurrence increased, the RPC density significantly decreased (r = −0.255, p = 0.0014). Stepwise multiple regression analysis to identify factors influencing RPC changes showed that frequency of DH (β = − 0.224, p = 0.008) and central corneal thickness (β = − 0.220, p = 0.009) were significantly associated with RPC changes. Conclusions: DH occurrence may prompt the structural and vascular deterioration of NTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of review: To trace the influence of disc hemorrhage studies on our understanding of glaucoma.Sources: Major articles published during the last 50 years since the rediscovery of disc hemorrhage were identified. A total of 196 articles were selected from 435 articles retrieved using the keywords glaucoma and disc hemorrhage as of August 9 2018 from PubMed.Recent findings: The main characteristics of disc hemorrhage, including its morphology, recurrence rate, duration, increased incidence in glaucoma, and role in the progression of normal tension glaucoma was well understood by the year 2000. Since then, studies have focused on more sophisticated and accurate methods of elucidating both structural and functional progression, with special attention to the role of the lamina cribrosa. Nevertheless, both the mechanism of disc hemorrhage development and its fuller relationship with glaucoma remain unclear.Summary: Disc hemorrhage research requires careful study of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. This has been facilitated by recent advances in optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography and other OCT technologies. Furthermore, animal studies of disc hemorrhage promise new insights into glaucomatous optic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disc hemorrhage is known to be associated with glaucoma development and progression. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of disc hemorrhage in glaucoma, including mechanical and ischemic theories. However, no theory has yet provided a clear explanation of cellular-level events and related histologic findings. Moreover, research has yet to elucidate why glaucomatous disc hemorrhage occurs around the optic disc and at the margin of the retinal nerve fiber layer defect. Understanding the pathogenic mechanism of disc hemorrhage will facilitate interpretation of its clinical importance, and provide better insight into clinical practice. In this review, we sought to provide a plausible hypothesis for the development of glaucomatous disc hemorrhage that could explain the aforementioned characteristic features. We suggest a new and detailed mechanism for disc hemorrhage. Critical microscopic events are also discussed in relation to reactive gliosis in glaucoma. With proliferative reactive gliosis, fibrous glial scar forms, and we suggest that the traction force induced by glial scar formation might disrupt capillary at the border between the healthy and damaged retinal nerve fiber layer, and develop splinter-shaped peripapillary hemorrhage. In addition to glial scar formation, remodeling and deformation of lamina cribrosa beams would insult the capillary surrounding the pore of the lamina cribrosa, and lead to development of round blotch-shaped cup hemorrhage. Histopathologic confirmation of these findings should be explored in future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate functional progression in preperimetric glaucoma (PPG) with disc hemorrhage (DH) and to determine the time interval between the first-detected DH and development of glaucomatous visual field (VF) defect. Methods: A total of 87 patients who had been first diagnosed with PPG were enrolled. The medical records of PPG patients without DH (Group 1) and with DH (Group 2) were reviewed. When glaucomatous VF defect appeared, the time interval from the diagnosis of PPG to the development of VF defect was calculated and compared between the two groups. In group 2, the time intervals from the first-detected DH to VF defect of the single- and recurrent-DH were compared. Results: Of the enrolled patients, 45 had DH in the preperimetric stage. The median time interval from the diagnosis of PPG to the development of VF defect was 73.3 months in Group 1, versus 45.4 months in Group 2 ( P = 0.042). The cumulative probability of development of VF defect after diagnosis of PPG was significantly greater in Group 2 than in Group 1. The median time interval from first-detected DH to the development of VF defect was 37.8 months. The median time interval from DH to VF defect and cumulative probability of VF defect after DH did not show a statistical difference between single and recurrent-DH patients. Conclusions: The median time interval between the diagnosis of PPG and the development of VF defect was significantly shorter in PPG with DH. The VF defect appeared 37.8 months after the first-detected DH in PPG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the association between plasma homocysteine levels and glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect in South Korean population. Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included subjects who underwent screening at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Health Screening Center between August 2012 and July 2013. Subjects underwent physical examination and provided samples for laboratory analysis of homocysteine. Subjects were divided equally into four quartiles (Qs) based on plasma homocysteine level. Digital fundus photographs of both eyes were obtained. Determination of glaucomatous disc appearance was based on criteria set forth by the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology and based on the appearance of the RNFL and optic disc. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to define elevated glaucoma risk with P < 0.2 on univariate analysis. Results: A total of 78,049 subjects were included; 76,093 subjects were male, and 1956 subjects were female. When analyzed by gender, the mean homocysteine level in the male group with glaucomatous RNFL defects (11.05 ± 3.80 µmol/L) was higher than those without RNFL defects (10.81 ± 4.12 µmol/L (P = 0.000, χ2 test). Upon multifactorial logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, creatinine, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, glaucomatous RNFL defects had a significant correlation with plasma homocysteine level. Based on the Q2 level, the odds ratio (OR) of Q3 was 1.267, while the OR of Q4 was 1.285 (95% CI = 1.067−1.505, 1.081−1.529, respectively, P for trend = 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that homocysteine level is associated with the presence of glaucomatous RNFL defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our goal was to evaluate the influence of optic disc size on the progression of visual field damage in patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Subjects and methods: Eighty-two eyes of 82 NTG patients who had been receiving topical antiglaucoma medications and followed-up for more than 4 years were enrolled in this study. The patients were allocated to two groups, according to the mean size of their optic discs. The data were analyzed using regression analysis, based on the Cox proportional hazard model. Results: The probability of visual field stability was significantly lower in eyes with large discs than in those with small discs (log rank test, P = 0.007). Progression of visual field damage was significantly associated with the optic disc area (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.812, P = 0.018), occurrence of disc hemorrhage (HR: 2.116, P = 0.028), and intraocular pressure reduction ratio (HR: 0.957, P = 0.014). Conclusion: The optic disc area correlates with progression of visual field damage in patients with NTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a common form of open-angle glaucoma that can lead to significant visual morbidity. There has been considerable debate as to whether NTG fits within the spectrum of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The relative roles of intraocular pressure and pressure-independent factors in this disease have also been debated. This review provides an extensive analysis of key clinical features, differential diagnoses, and potential pathophysiologic mechanisms, both intraocular and systemic, of NTG. Findings of major clinical trials and evidence-based guidelines for management are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]