The mode of progression of visual field defects in glaucoma.

We retrospectively studied 42 eyes of 42 patients with glaucoma to determine the pattern of progression of their visual field defects. In 33 eyes (79%) the scotomas became denser. Enlargement occurred in 22 eyes (52%) and 21 eyes (50%) developed new scotomas. Increased density of the scotomas was the only manifestation of change in ten eyes (24%), three eyes (7%) showed enlargement only, and six (14%) showed only new scotomas. Seventeen eyes (57%) with single hemifield involvement maintained a defective single hemifield throughout the follow-up period.