AIM: To investigate the related factors of visual field progression in patients with primary open angle glaucoma(POAG), and to provide novel ideas for more accurate and efficient follow-up of clinical patients.

METHODS: A prospective study that includes thirty-nine patients(77 eyes)with POAG who were followed up every three months for 7 consecutive times. After inquiring the history in detail, intraocular pressure(IOP), visual field examination and nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness were measured. During follow-up the family history, smoking and drinking history, age, gender, surgery, IOP fluctuation, baseline visual field defect and RNFL thickness change were analyzed.

RESULTS: During the follow-up period, the degree of RNFL thinning was positively correlated with visual field progression(P<0.05). The baseline visual field defect was associated with visual field progression. Moderate baseline visual field defect has the greatest correlation with the progression of visual field damage, the second is mild, and the least is severe.

CONCLUSION: Changes in RNFL thickness may provide useful information and progressive judgment of patients with mild and severe visual field defects should be combined with other information besides visual field.