Neurodegeneration beyond the primary visual pathways in a population with a high incidence of normal‐pressure glaucoma

ConclusionsIn this specific population, glaucoma is associated with lower Fractional Anisotropy in the optic radiations, forceps major and corpus callosum. We interpret these reductions as evidence for white matter degeneration in these loci. In particular, the degeneration of the corpus callosum suggests the presence of neurodegeneration of the brain beyond what can be explained on the basis of propagated retinal and pre‐geniculate damage. We discuss how this finding links to the emerging view that a brain component that is independent from the eye damage plays a role in the aetiology of glaucoma.

Source: Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics - April 24, 2016 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Christine C. Boucard, Sandra Hanekamp, Branislava Ćurčić‐Blake, Masahiro Ida, Masaki Yoshida, Frans W. Cornelissen Tags: Original Article Source Type: research