Structure-Function Relationship Between the Bruch Membrane Opening-based Minimum Rim Width and Visual Field Defects in Advanced Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) (global and temporal) parameters with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and visual field (VF) sensitivity on the 10-2 test in patients with advanced glaucoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study included a total of 33 eyes of 29 patients. To evaluate VF sensitivity, automated white-on-white perimetry was performed using a Humphrey field analyzer. The mean deviation (MD) and pattern SD values were used to characterize the degree of functional damage. BMO-MRW and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were obtained with SD-OCT. According to the Garway-Heath map and fovea and BMO axis, the 90 degrees temporal sector of the optic disc corresponding to the central VF was divided into upper and lower parts.

RESULTS: The upper and lower temporal BMO-MRW parameters showed stronger correlations with the MD parameters of their corresponding VFs when compared with both global and temporal MRW parameters. Global and temporal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness parameters were also correlated with global MD parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: BMO-MRW measurements in the upper and lower parts of the 90 degrees temporal sector of the optic nerve head by SD-OCT and their corresponding VF sensitivity on the 10-2 test were found highly correlated. These BMO-MRW measurements could offer a means of predicting the status of visual hemifields in patients who are unable to undergo VF testing. Further longitudinal studies with larger series evaluating BMO-MRW parameters with SD-OCT are also needed to monitor progression in advanced glaucoma.