Differences in optic nerve head structure between acute angle-closure glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma

This study aimed to compare the optic nerve head (ONH) structure in acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) to investigate the differences in glaucomatous damage. The AACG and OAG eyes were matched with regard to global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT). AACG eyes were divided into two subgroups based on the presence of ONH swelling at the onset of AACG. RNFLT, Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), and Bruch’s membrane opening-minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) were analyzed. Global RNFLT values were similar in AACG and OAG groups, but lower than in the healthy group (P < 0.001). The global BMO-MRW and total BMO-MRA were significantly higher in AACG than in OAG group (P < 0.001, respectively). AACG showed similar global BMO-MRW and total BMO-MRA, irrespective of the presence or absence of ONH swelling, while AACG with ONH swelling was associated with significantly thinner global RNFLT compared to AACG without ONH swelling (P < 0.006). The result of differences in ONH structure between the OAG and AACG, especially the AACG with ONH swelling at the onset of AACG, suggests that the mechanisms of optic nerve damage in the two diseases are different.