Retrobulbar hemodynamics in normal-tension glaucoma with asymmetric visualfield change and asymmetric ocular perfusion pressure

PURPOSE: To investigate retrobulbar hemodynamics by means of color Doppler imaging in normal-tension glaucoma with asymmetric visual field change and asymmetric ocular perfusion pressure. METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive patients who met the enrollment criteria we re enrolled in a prospective study. We measured intraocular pressure at 2-h our intervals for 24 hours and performed color Doppler imaging of the orbit al arteries, 48-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and visual field testing. Color Doppler parameters were compared between subjects with high er ocular perfusion pressure in the eye that had a better mean deviation (c oncordant group) and worse mean deviation (discordant group). RESULTS: In the eyes with the better mean deviation, the end-diastolic velo city of the ophthalmic artery was significantly slower in the discordant gr oup (P = .0145), while in the eyes with the worse mean deviation, the peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities of the ophthalmic artery were signifi cantly slower and the resistance index of the ophthalmic artery was signifi cantly higher in the discordant group (P = .0395, P = .0088, and P = .0324, respectively). In the concordant group, the end-diastolic velocity of the central retinal artery was slower in eyes with a worse mean deviation. CONCLUSION: Retrobulbar hemodynamics are significantly altered in patients with normal-tension glaucoma who have better ocular perfusion pressure in t he eye that has a worse mean deviation. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. A ll rights reserved.