PURPOSE

To investigate whether the area and shape of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) as assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) are altered in glaucomatous eyes with central visual field defects (CVFDs).

METHODS

A total of 78 patients with open-angle glaucoma with central or peripheral visual field defects (PVFDs) confined to a single hemifield were studied retrospectively. Foveal avascular zone area and circularity were measured using OCTA images from the superficial retinal layer. Central retinal visual field (VF) sensitivity using Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm 24-2 VF and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thickness were measured. The FAZ area between VF-affected hemimacular segments and VF-unaffected hemimacular segments in eyes with CVFDs and matched hemimacular segments of eyes with PVFDs were compared. Factors associated with the presence and severity of CVFD at initial presentation were determined.

RESULTS

Eyes with CVFDs showed a significantly larger FAZ area, lower FAZ circularity, and lower mGCIPL thickness than the PVFD group. The mean hemi-FAZ area of VF-affected hemimaculas in eyes with CVFDs was significantly larger than that of the PVFD group (0.256 ± 0.07 mm2 vs. 0.184 ± 0.07 mm2) and the VF-unaffected hemimaculas of the CVFD group (0.179 ± 0.06 mm2; P < 0.05). Age, mean deviation, mGCIPL thickness, FAZ area, and circularity were associated with CVFDs (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Microcirculatory alterations in the perifovea are spatially correlated with central VF loss. Loss of FAZ circularity was significantly associated with presence of CVFD, whereas FAZ area was significantly associated with severity of CVFD.