title: Fractal dimension as a new tool to analyze optic nerve head vasculature in primary open angle glaucoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the features of optic nerve head (ONH) microvasculature in primary open angle glaucoma using fractal geometry analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  ONH blood flow was analyzed at the level of the lamina cribrosa by means of confocal scanning laser Heidelberg Doppler flowmetry (HRF) in medically-controlled early and advanced glaucoma. Fractal dimension D of vasculature map was calculated using the Box Counting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our data demonstrated that, in patients with advanced glaucoma, fractal dimension D was significantly lower than in controls, whereas, in the early stage of disease, its value was similar. Fractal dimension D of microcirculation was significantly and negatively correlated with the cup-disk area ratio in both early and advanced glaucoma groups, whereas linear cup-disk ratio of the disk, cup shape measure and nerve fiber layer thickness, where correlated only in advanced stage of the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings demonstrate that fractal dimension D of ONH appeared significantly reduced in advanced glaucoma and correlated with the optic disc damage.
authors: Department of Surgical Sciences, Ophthalmic Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
authors: Marco
authors: M
authors: Ciancaglini
authors: Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy germano.guerra@unimol.it.
authors: Germano
authors: G
authors: Guerra
authors: Department of Medicine and Ageing Science, Ophthalmic Clinic, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors: Luca
authors: L
authors: Agnifili
authors: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
authors: Rodolfo
authors: R
authors: Mastropasqua
authors: Department of Medicine and Ageing Science, Ophthalmic Clinic, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Fasanella
authors: Department of Public Health University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors: Mariapia
authors: M
authors: Cinelli
authors: Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
authors: Ciro
authors: C
authors: Costagliola
authors: Department of Bioscience and Territory (DIBT), University of Molise, Contrada Conte Lappone, Pesche, Isernia, Italy.
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Ambrosone
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005902:Glaucoma, Open-Angle / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000098:blood supply*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow
keywords: Fractal dimension; Open angle glaucoma; optic nerve