Abstract
AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare and assess the correlation of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, peripapillary retinal perfusion density, and flux index in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and healthy eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed 53 eyes of POAG patients and 56 eyes of healthy individuals. The peripapillary perfusion density and flux index were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), while the RNFL thickness was evaluated using Cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: In POAG patients, peripapillary retinal perfusion density significantly decreased in the superior, inferior, nasal, and total quadrants compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.0001), but no difference in the temporal quadrant (p = 0.670). The peripapillary retinal flux index also showed a significant reduction across all quadrants in the POAG group compared to healthy eyes (p = 0.0001). RNFL was significantly thinner in POAG patients than in healthy eyes (p = 0.0001 in the superior, inferior, nasal, and total RNFL; p = 0.017 in the temporal quadrant). A moderate to strong correlation was observed between peripapillary retinal perfusion density, flux index, and RNFL thickness in POAG subjects. CONCLUSION: Decreased peripapillary retinal perfusion density and flux index have significant associations with RNFL thickness in POAG patients, indicating the role of peripapillary perfusion changes in RNFL thinning. This highlights the importance of including vascular assessments in POAG diagnostics and management. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the value of noninvasive diagnostic tools such as OCT and OCTA to assess both structural and vascular changes in glaucoma. This approach could help to detect POAG at an earlier stage, allowing for timely intervention to slow the disease progression. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rifada RM, Qorib LS, Riza Hardjasasmita IN, et al. Exploring Ocular Perfusion and Structural Alterations of POAG in Indonesia: Insights from OCTA and OCT Analysis. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2025;19(3):136-142.