OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY-ANGIOGRAPHY, A NEW DIAGNOSTIC AND FOLLOW-UP TOOL FOR GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy and is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. There are studies on the role of vascular dysfunction in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Evaluation of intraocular blood flow will be useful in elucidating the pathogenesis. Various techniques are available for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with glaucoma. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has emerged as new technology to detect the vascular effects of glaucoma. Objectives: Optical coherence tomography angiography is a new technology and many publications have been made in the field of glaucoma. In this article, we aimed to review the studies conducted on the role of OCTA technology in glaucoma pathogenesis and to draw attention to how OCTA can be helpful for diagnosis and follow-up in glaucoma patients. Methods: Whole literature through PubMed for the keywords of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and glaucoma were scanned. This review included articles up to February 2021. Only English languages articles were included. Results: Optical coherence tomography angiography provides a rapid and noninvasive quantitative assessment of the microcirculation of the retina, optic nerve, and choroid.  Optical coherence tomography angiography uses the action of red blood cells as an intrinsic contrast agent. It has high reproducibility. Optical coherence tomography angiography studies have shown that microcirculation in the superficial optic nerve, peripapillary retina, and the macula is reduced in glaucoma patients. Optical coherence tomography angiography parameters in the peripapillary region are thought to be better biomarkers in advanced glaucoma than OCT parameters. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography angiography is a new technology that has the potential to provide useful information in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with glaucoma.