Researchers recently generated a new visual field (VF) cluster map corresponding with Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) sectors, which may help to detail the structure-function relationship between the optic nerve head and VF in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

This retrospective review evaluated 67 eyes of 50 OAG patients who underwent testing for BMO-MRA and VF. The team analyzed the correlation between 12 sectors of the BMO-MRA of the glaucomatous optic nerve head and 52 VF points to produce a new VF cluster map.

They found that 83% of VF points significantly correlated with at least one BMO-MRA sector. They noted that the superior hemifield of the new VF cluster map correlated with the five, six, seven and eight o’clock positions; whereas the inferior hemifield correlated with the 10, 11, 12 and two o’clock positions. The investigators added that the VF cluster maps of superior and inferior hemifields showed a different configuration of VF clusters and topographical relationships with the glaucomatous optic nerve head.

“The newly generated VF cluster map corresponding to BMO-MRA sectors showed a significant structure-function relationship and could be useful in the diagnosis and evaluation of glaucoma,” the study authors concluded in their paper.

Choi HS, Park SP, Na KI. Visual field cluster map corresponding to Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim area sectors in open-angle glaucoma. J Glaucoma. March 6, 2020. [Epub ahead of print].