An evaluation of ocular elasticity using real-time ultrasound elastography in primary open-angle glaucoma

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare sonoelastographic findings in the retina-choroid-sclera (RCS) complex and vitreous in glaucomatous and healthy eyes. Methods: For this cross-sectional comparative study, 20 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and 20 healthy volunteers were recruited. Ultrasound elastography measurements were taken with a sonographic scanner of the RCS complex, anterior vitreous (AV), posterior vitreous (PV), retrobulbar fat tissue (RFT), optic disc (OD) and optic nerve (ON) in each eye. Results: The elasticity index of the RCS complex, RFT, OD, ON, AV and PV was similar in both groups (p . 0.05), although the AV/PV strain ratio in the group of patients with glaucoma was significantly higher (p 5 0.04). Conclusion: Glaucoma increases the AV/PV strain ratio. In providing reproducible and consistent values, the real-time elastography (RTE) technique may be helpful in elucidating the mechanisms of glaucoma in some aspects. © 2016 The Authors.