The Role of Color Doppler Imaging in the Diagnosis of Glaucoma: A Review of the Literature

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy and one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the major risk factor for the onset and progression of glaucoma. In addition to elevated IOP, impaired intraocular blood flow is also considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Various techniques have been used to assess ocular blood flow (OBF), including Color Doppler Imaging (CDI), a technique used in ophthalmology in recent decades. This article reviews the role of CDI in both the diagnosis and effective monitoring of glaucoma progression, presenting the protocol for imaging and its advantages, as well as the limitations of its use. Moreover, it analyzes the pathophysiology of glaucoma, focusing on vascular theory and its role in the onset and progression of the disease.

Automated summary

Glaucoma, a progressive optic neuropathy, is a major cause of irreversible blindness globally. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and impaired intraocular blood flow are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Color Doppler Imaging (CDI), a technique used in ophthalmology, has been used to assess ocular blood flow (OBF) and plays a role in both diagnosis and monitoring of glaucoma progression. This article reviews the role of CDI, presents imaging protocol and advantages, and analyzes the vascular theory and its role in glaucoma.