Ten Years and Beyond Longitudinal Change of ß-Zone Parapapillary Atrophy: Comparison of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma with Normal Eyes.

PURPOSE

To investigate the difference in longitudinal change of ß-zone parapapillary atrophy (PPA) between eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal eyes.

DESIGN

Longitudinal, observation study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 153 eyes with POAG and 105 normal eyes.

METHODS

Participants were followed for 10 years or more, with disc photography performed every year. The topographic parameters of ß-zone PPA (area, maximal radial extent, angular extent around disc) were measured. The factors associated with the enlargement of ß-zone PPA parameters were assessed by odds ratio (OR) using multivariable logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Enlargement of ß-zone PPA parameters and associated factors.

RESULTS

Over the course of the average 11.6±1.3-year follow-up period, enlargement of β-zone PPA was detected in 66.7% of POAG eyes and in 26.7% of normal eyes. Increment of all PPA parameters was significantly more common in cases of POAG than in normal eyes (all P < 0.001). The spatial distribution of maximal radial extent at baseline and final examination was significantly different between the 2 groups: POAG eyes; inferotemporal versus normal eyes; temporal (chi-square = 26.549, P < 0.001, chi-square = 19.320, P = 0.004, respectively). The widening of radial extent was significantly associated with older age (OR, 1.036; P = 0.010) and the presence of glaucoma (OR, 2.599; P = 0.002). The increment of angular extent was associated with the presence of glaucoma (OR, 12.167; P = 0.017) and optic disc hemorrhage (OR, 3.266; P = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of ß-zone PPA change differed between POAG and normal eyes during a follow-up of 10 years or more. The enlargement of PPA occurred more frequently in POAG than in normal eyes. The widening of radial extent was associated with older age and glaucoma, whereas the increment of angular extent was associated with glaucomatous damage.