Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons. Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common vitreoretinal interface disorder that can also lead to vision loss.

Recent studies have shown that vertical asymmetry of the macular microvasculature is associated with OAG. Vertical asymmetry is defined as the difference in vessel density between the superior and inferior halves of the macula. It is thought to be a marker of early glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve.

A new study has investigated the vertical asymmetry of the macular microvasculature in ERM patients with OAG. The study included 103 ERM patients with OAG and 98 without OAG. The researchers used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to measure vessel density in the macula’s superficial and deep capillary plexuses.

The study found that ERM patients with OAG had significantly greater vertical asymmetry of the macular microvasculature in both the superficial and deep capillary plexuses than ERM patients without OAG. The association between vertical asymmetry and OAG was independent of ERM severity.

The findings of this study suggest that vertical asymmetry of the macular microvasculature may be a useful biomarker for early glaucomatous damage in ERM patients. This could help identify ERM patients at high risk of developing OAG so they can be monitored more closely and treated early.

A new study has found that ERM patients with OAG have significantly greater vertical asymmetry of the macular microvasculature than ERM patients without OAG. The association between vertical asymmetry and OAG was independent of ERM severity. The findings of this study suggest that vertical asymmetry of the macular microvasculature may be a useful biomarker for early glaucomatous damage in ERM patients.