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.