Background: This study evaluated the visual contribution to postural steadiness in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), in correlation with the mean deviation (MD) measured through conventional perimetry, and with the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) score, which quantifies the extent of losses in the visual field.
Methods: In 35 POAG patients and 21 age-matched normal subjects, the sway of the centre of pressure of the feet, on a firm or foam support, was recorded. The subjects stood on a force-plate with eyes closed, or with one or two eyes open.
Results: For all subjects, the sway velocity was lower with vision than without vision, indicating the existence of a visual contribution to posture at all stages of glaucoma. This contribution was significantly lower for POAG patients than for normals in monocular and binocular vision, and decreased with the MD, or as the AGIS score increased. Among the maximum, minimum and average values of the two monocular MD, the MD of the worse eye presented the most significant negative correlation with the visual contribution to posture. The somatosensory contribution to postural steadiness was larger in POAG patients, as compared to normals, in monocular or binocular vision.
Conclusion: Primary open angle glaucoma induces a deficit in the visual contribution to postural steadiness, which should be taken into account for the prevention of falls.