早期青光眼不同类型视盘视网膜神经纤维层厚度分析

目的　探讨早期青光眼患者不同类型视盘的视网膜神经纤维层（ｒｅｔｉｎａｌｎｅｒｖｅｆｉｂｅｒｌａｙｅｒ,ＲＮＦＬ）厚度,以了解不同类型视盘的早期青光眼患者的ＲＮＦＬ厚度的特点。方法　应用光学相干断层扫描（ｏｐｔｉｃａｌｃｏｈｅｒｅｎｃｅｔｏｍｏｇｒａｐｈｙ,ＯＣＴ）技术检查视盘ＲＮ-ＦＬ厚度,将收集到的ＯＣＴ视盘检查结果分为６组:对照组大视盘组、中视盘组、小视盘组,每组各２０眼,早期青光眼大视盘组、中视盘组、小视盘组各２０眼。ＯＣＴ测量１２０眼各钟点平均ＲＮＦＬ厚度。检测对照组和早期青光眼患者１２个钟位的视盘ＲＮＦＬ厚度。结果　对照组不同类型视盘组的ＲＮＦＬ厚度曲线均在下方和上方形成双峰,在鼻侧和颞侧形成波谷,各组下方峰均高于上方峰。其中大视盘组患者ＲＮＦＬ厚度（１０５．６０±５．８７）μｍ,其次是中视盘组（１０７．０５±７．２９）μｍ和小视盘组（１０８．４０±７．２７）μｍ。对照组大、中、小视盘组的ＲＮＦＬ厚度差异无统计学意义（Ｐ＞０．０５）。早期青光眼ＲＮＦＬ厚度曲线的上或下方峰值降低,但仍然具备上、下方的双峰特征,各组的下方峰皆高于上方峰。其中大视盘组患者ＲＮＦＬ厚度最薄（７０．２５±１４．７１）μｍ,其次是中视盘组（８５. ５５±１５．３９）μｍ和小视盘组（８７．５５±９．４６）μｍ,大视盘组与中视盘组、小视盘组的视盘ＲＮＦＬ厚度的差异有统计学意义（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）,中视盘组与小视盘组的ＲＮＦＬ厚度差异无统计学意义（Ｐ＞０．０５）。早期青光眼患者与对照组不同类型视盘的ＲＮＦＬ均为厚度差异均有统计学意义（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论　对照组不同大小的视盘并不影响ＲＮＦＬ厚度,早期青光眼患者视盘的ＲＮＦＬ厚度明显变薄,但仍然具备上、下方的双峰特征,各组的下方峰皆高于上方峰,其中大视盘患者的ＲＮＦＬ比中、小视盘受损更严重。     

A comparison of optical coherence tomography and retinal nerve fiber layer photography for detection of nerve fiber layer damage in glaucoma

PURPOSE: To compare optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements with established methods for assessment of glaucomatous damage using RNFL photography and visual field testing. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-eight eyes of 58 healthy volunteer ocular hypertensive patients, glaucoma suspect patients, and glaucoma patients were included. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography 3.4-mm diameter circular scans were obtained within 3 months of RNFL photography and standard achromatic visual field testing. Three independent observers graded RNFL photographs using two standardized protocols. For each method, superior and inferior arcuate bundles were scored separately, and interobserver and intraobserver variation was measured. Standard achromatic visual field mean deviation in the superior and inferior hemifields was compared with RNFL damage as assessed by photography and OCT RNFL thickness measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual field mean deviation and severity of glaucomatous RNFL damage as assessed by photography. RESULTS: Optical coherence tomography RNFL thickness decreased with increasing RNFL damage as assessed by photography using both methods of photographic assessment. Standard achromatic perimetry mean deviation was significantly associated with OCT RNFL thickness (R(2) = 35%-43%) and RNFL photography severity score (R(2) = 18%-29%). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the OCT shows promise for providing quantitative measures of RNFL thickness for diagnosing and monitoring glaucoma.     

青光眼视网膜神经纤维层厚度变化及其与视野缺损的相关性

目的　利用光学相干断层扫描（ｏｐｔｉｃａｌｃｏｈｅｒｅｎｃｅｔｏｍｏｇｒａｐｈｙ,ＯＣＴ）检测早期原发性开角型青光眼和可疑青光眼患者视网膜神经纤维层（ｒｅｔｉｎａｌｎｅｒｖｅｆｉｂｅｒｌａｙｅｒ,ＲＮＦＬ）厚度的变化,并分析其与视野缺损的相关性。方法　收集来我院就诊的可疑青光眼患者３５例（６３眼）为Ａ组,早期原发性开角型青光眼患者４１例（７２眼）为Ｂ组,对照组３４例（６６眼）为Ｃ组,采用ＯＣＴ仪和Ｈｕｍｐｈｒｅｙ７４０ｉ全自动视野计分别对３组受检者进行视盘周围ＲＮ-ＦＬ厚度和视野检测,比较３组患者的ＲＮＦＬ厚度,分析青光眼组ＲＮＦＬ厚度与视野缺损间的关系。结果　Ａ组的上方、下方象限及平均ＲＮＦＬ厚度与Ｃ组对应象限比较,差异均有统计学意义（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）;Ｂ组与Ｃ组比较平均及各象限ＲＮＦＬ厚度差异均有统计学意义（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）;Ａ组与Ｂ组比较上方、下方、鼻侧象限及平均ＲＮＦＬ厚度差异均有统计学意义（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）。三组受检者各象限及全周视野缺损两两比较,差异均有统计学意义（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）。Ｂ组平均及各象限ＲＮＦＬ厚度与视野缺损程度均呈负相关（均为Ｐ＜０．０５）。结论　青光眼患者ＲＮＦＬ厚度变薄,并且与视野缺损程度呈负相关。     

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in normal, ocular hypertensive, and glaucomatous Indian eyes: an optical coherence tomography study

PURPOSE: To determine retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements in normal, ocular hypertensive (OHT), and glaucomatous Asian Indian eyes. METHODS: This prospective observational cross-sectional study included patients with OHT, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and age-matched normal controls. The global and 4-quadrant average RNFL thickness was measured using the Stratus OCT. The main outcome measures were differences in RNFL thickness measurements between the 3 groups. The discriminating power of each parameter was evaluated by calculating areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AROCs). RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes of 23 POAG patients, 24 eyes of 24 OHT, and 48 eyes of 48 normal controls were analyzed. The superior, inferior, and global RNFL measurements were significantly thinner in OHTs compared with normals (P=0.031, 0.019, and 0.022, respectively). All 5 RNFL parameters were significantly thinner in the POAG group compared with OHT group (P<0.001). Parameters with largest AROCs for distinguishing glaucoma from OHT were average and inferior average RNFL measurements (0.989 and 0.979, respectively). Inferior and superior RNFL measurements had largest AROCs (0.717 and 0.700, respectively) to distinguish OHT from normal eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Stratus OCT detected significant quantitative differences in RNFL thickness between normal, OHT, and glaucomatous Asian Indian eyes.     

Relationship between patterns of visual field loss and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between patterns of visual field (VF) loss and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-one glaucoma patients and 65 healthy subjects from the Diagnostic Innovations in Glaucoma Study (DIGS) were included. All glaucoma patients had repeatable abnormal VFs and scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) RNFL thickness measurements. RNFL measurements were obtained from 16 equal parapapillary sectors. Patterns of VF loss were classified as arcuate, partial arcuate, nasal step, or paracentral in each VF hemifield. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine which RNFL sectors were associated with each VF pattern. The ability of SLP to discriminate between eyes with different VF patterns and healthy eyes using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses also was investigated. RESULTS: VF patterns in the superior hemifield were significantly associated with RNFL sectors in the temporal inferior hemiretina (P < .05). ROC curve areas for discrimination between eyes with different VF patterns and healthy eyes ranged from 0.85 to 0.95. VF patterns in the inferior hemifield were most strongly associated with temporal superior RNFL sectors (P < .05). ROC curve areas for discrimination between different VF patterns and healthy eyes ranged from 0.73 to 0.98. SLP could discriminate between apparently unaffected VF hemifields in glaucoma eyes and VF hemifields in healthy eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Parapapillary RNFL thickness was topographically related to patterns of VF loss. SLP can differentiate between apparently unaffected VF hemifields in glaucoma eyes and normal VF hemifields in healthy eyes.     

Quantification of retinal nerve fiber thickness. A comparison of laser scanning ophthalmoscopy, polarimetry and optical coherence tomography in healthy and glaucomatous eyes

Purpose. To evaluate the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in healthy eyes and in eyes of patients with primary open angle glaucoma using the Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT), the nerve fibre analyser (NFA) and the optical coherence tomograph (OCT). Methods. In this prospective cohort study, 40 normal eyes and 86 eyes of age-matched glaucoma patients were compared by confocal scanning laser tomography using the HRT, scanning laser polarimetry (NFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The RNFL thickness was measured in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal regions as well as the total circumference. Results. All three methods revealed a statistically significant difference between normal and glaucomatous eyes with respect to the mean RNFL thickness in the inferior and superior regions (p<0.001). The mean RNFL thickness in the superior region was 329 μm (HRT), 87 μm (NFA) and 94 μm (OCT) in healthy volunteers compared to 275 μm (HRT), 72 μm (NFA) and 82 μm (OCT) in the patient group. In the inferior region, it was 323 μm (HRT), 87 μm (NFA) and 93 μm (OCT) in healthy subjects versus 240 μm (HRT), 74 μm (NFA) and 83 μm (OCT) in glaucoma patients. Cut-off points to differentiate between normal and glaucomatous eyes could not be defined. There was no difference in the RNFL thickness of right and left eyes. Conclusions. In RNFL thickness measurements using HRT, NFA and OCT, glaucoma patients showed a significantly thinner RNFL in the superior and inferior areas compared to healthy volunteers. These results confirm the known histological and fundus photographic findings of RNFL thinning near the optic disc in glaucoma patients. Although RNFL thickness cannot be used to diagnose glaucoma in individual patients due to the high interindividual differences, the quantitative assessment of RNFL thickness may complement the diagnostic armamentarium as a sensitive parameter for diagnosing and monitoring glaucomas.     

高度近视眼后极部视网膜厚度的光学相干断层成像测量

目的 应用光学相干断层成像(OCT)技术探讨高度近视眼黄斑区及视盘周围视网膜神经纤维层(RNFL)的厚度变化 方法 前瞻性病例对照研究随机选取2011年3月至2011年8月在金华市中心医院眼科就诊并行OCT检查的高度近视患者33例(33眼)和正常对照者35例(35眼),分别测量其黄斑中心凹和距中心凹750μm处的四q个方向上的RNFL厚度,并测量视盘周围12个钟点方向上的RNFL厚度,比较两组之间有无显著性差异.两组间的比较采用独立样本t检验 结果 高度近视眼组黄斑区各方向RNFL.厚度均明显小于正常对照组(t=3.08,P＜0.01),而视盘周围RNFL厚度较正常对照组有变薄趋势,但差异无统计学意义 结论 高度近视眼黄斑区RNFL厚度明显低于正常眼视盘周围的RNFL厚度有变薄的趋势,因此在对合并高度近视的青光眼眼患者进行视盘周围RNFL厚度评价时,需持谨慎的态度,0CT能够精确量化RNFL厚度,可重复性好.     

基于视网膜神经纤维层厚度及神经节细胞复合体诊断POAG的效能分析

目的：比较原发性开角型青光眼( primary open angle glaucoma,POAG)与正常对照组盘周视网膜神经纤维层厚度( retinal nerve fiber layer thickness,RNFL)及黄斑区神经节细胞复合体( ganglion cell complex,GCC)厚度差异,并评价盘周 RNFL 厚度及黄斑 GCC 厚度在 POAG 中的诊断价值。
　　方法：采用横断面研究。连续的POAG患者56例纳入研究。选择同期年龄、性别、屈光度及眼轴匹配的正常人60名60眼作为正常对照组。用RTVue-100光学相干断层扫描技术( optical coherence tomography,OCT)检测并比较POAG组及对照组盘周RNFL厚度及黄斑GCC厚度。采用受试者工作特征曲线( receiver operating characteristic curve,ROC)及ROC曲线下面积( area under curve,AUC)评价盘周 RNFL 厚度及黄斑 GCC 厚度对青光眼的诊断价值。
　　结果：POAG组患者盘周所有象限RNFL均薄于正常对照组,差异有统计学意义( P<0.001)。 POAG组患者黄斑所有区域GCC厚度均小于正常对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。多因素线性回归分析结果,PAOG诊断是盘周RNFL厚度与黄斑GCC厚度的独立相关因素。 ROC及AUC分析提示：杯盘比AUC值最大( AUC=0.936;95%CI=0.903~0.964),其次为上方 RNFL 厚度( AUC=0.910;95%CI=0.889~9.455),诊断价值高,盘周鼻侧,下方,颞侧RNFL厚度以及黄斑上方,下方平均GCC厚度AUC值均大于0.8,具有较好的诊断价值。
　　结论：POAG患者盘周RNFL厚度与黄斑GCC厚度均明显变薄,变薄的盘周RNFL厚度与黄斑GCC厚度与POAG诊断存在相关性。盘周RNFL厚度与黄斑GCC厚度均有较好的诊断价值。     

Polarimetric measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma diagnosis

PURPOSE: To evaluate reliability and diagnostic value of polarimetric measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in the diagnosis of glaucoma. METHODS: The study included 81 eyes with perimetric glaucoma with glaucomatous changes of the optic disc and visual field defects; 52 eyes with preperimetric glaucoma with glaucomatous optic disc abnormalities and normal achromatic visual fields; and 70 normal eyes. For determination of reliability, four examiners repeated polarimetric measurements five times in ten normal subjects. RESULTS: The polarimetric variables were significantly correlated with increasing mean visual field defect and decreasing neuroretinal rim area. In correlation analyses with visual field defects, correlation coefficients were highest for the variable "superior/nasal ratio" and "the Number," a variable calculated by the neural network of the device. In correlations with neuroretinal rim area, correlation coefficients were highest for measurements of the inferior nerve fiber layer thickness. The preperimetric glaucoma group and the control group differed significantly in the variables "superior/nasal ratio" and "the Number" and, to a smaller degree, in the variables "superior/temporal ratio" and "superior/inferior ratio." The Number variable had a sensitivity of 82% and 58% at a predefined specificity of 80% in separating perimetric glaucoma patients and preperimetric glaucoma patients, respectively, from control subjects. Reproducibility of the polarimetric measurements ranged between 70% and 89%. CONCLUSION: Polarimetric measurements of the RNFL thickness can detect glaucomatous optic nerve damage in patients with visual field loss, and in some patients with preperimetric glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Considering the fast performance, easy handling, and low maintenance costs, RNFL polarimetry may be helpful in glaucoma diagnosis.     

垂体瘤患者视盘周围视网膜神经纤维层厚度分析

目的 利用光学相干断层扫描仪(optical coherence tomography,OCT)测量垂体瘤患者视盘周围视网膜神经纤维层(retinal nerve fiber layer,RNFL)厚度,分析其RNFL厚度改变的区域及与视野损害的相关性.方法 采用OCT Fast RNFL thick 3.4程序对正常人30例(56只眼),垂体瘤视野正常者25例(50只眼),垂体瘤颞侧视野偏盲者35例(56只眼)进行视盘周围RNFL厚度测量,计算RNFL厚度平均值及鼻、颞、上、下各区域的RNFL厚度,对各参数行组内和组间比较.结果 垂体瘤视野正常组与正常组比较RNFL厚度平均值及鼻、上和下方RNFL厚度差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),颞侧RNFL较正常组增厚,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05);垂体瘤视野偏盲组与垂体瘤视野正常组及正常组比较RNFL厚度平均值及各区域RNFL厚度均明显变薄,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).垂体瘤视野正常组及视野偏盲组颞侧RNFL厚度均大于鼻侧,差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 垂体瘤患者RNFL厚度变化与视野缺损有一致性.OCT可作为判断垂体瘤患者视功能预后的重要指标.     

Diagnostic capability of optical coherence tomography in evaluating the degree of glaucomatous retinal nerve fiber damage

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role and ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect differences in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness between normal and glaucomatous eyes and also between different severities of glaucoma. METHOD: This cross-sectional observational study included 160 eyes of 160 healthy subjects and 134 eyes of 134 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured on OCT using the fast RNFL thickness protocol. The RNFL thickness parameters used for evaluation included average RNFL thickness and inferior, superior, nasal, and temporal RNFL thickness. The glaucomatous eyes were subdivided into three subgroups on the basis of visual field defects and a fourth subgroup of eyes blinded by glaucoma. RNFL thickness parameters were compared among the normal eyes and the glaucoma subgroups. Correlation of global visual field indices with RNFL thickness parameters was also performed. RESULTS: The average RNFL in control subjects, early glaucoma, moderate glaucoma, severe glaucoma, and blind glaucoma were 102.30 +/- 10.34, 77.68 +/- 15.7, 66.07 +/- 15.5, 53.65 +/- 14.2, and 44.93 +/- 4.95 microm, respectively. There was a significant difference in all RNFL thickness parameters between normal and all glaucoma subgroups (P < 0.001). Average and inferior RNFL thicknesses showed the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, with 0.905 and 0.862 for normal versus early glaucoma, 0.705 and 0.722 for early versus moderate glaucoma, 0.737 and 0.717 for moderate versus severe glaucoma, and 0.635 and 0.584 for severe versus blind glaucoma. Both mean deviation (MD) and corrected pattern standard deviation (CPSD) showed a significant correlation with all the RNFL thickness parameters in eyes with glaucoma (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RNFL thickness measured on OCT may serve as useful adjuncts in accurately and more objectively distinguishing normal from glaucomatous eyes, even in the early stages of glaucoma and may help to differentiate various severities of glaucoma. Average and inferior RNFL thicknesses are among the most efficient parameters for distinguishing such a differentiation. RNFL thicknesses in eyes blinded by glaucoma provide an estimate of the component of the RNFL thickness, which is not related to visual function.     

OCT测量视网膜神经纤维层和黄斑厚度在青光眼早期诊断中的意义

目的应用光学相干断层成像术（optical coherence tomography，OCT）测量青光眼患者的视网膜神经纤维层（retinal nerve fiber layer，RNFL）厚度和黄斑厚度，比较两者在青光眼早期诊断中的作用。方法应用Stratus OCT测量62例（101眼）正常人和41例（64眼）青光眼患者的RNFL厚度和黄斑厚度，比较正常人和青光眼患者之间．正常人和早期青光眼患者之间上、下、鼻、颞四个象限与平均RNFL厚度、黄斑区内外环各象限厚度和总黄斑体积等参数有无统计学差异：用受试者工作特征曲线下面积（area under the receive operating characteristi ccurve，AROC）评价各个参数在青光眼早期诊断中的作用。结果青光眼患者各象限、平均RNFL厚度和各分区黄斑厚度、总黄斑体积均比正常人减少．差异有显著性（P=0．014—0．000），视乳头旁平均RNFL的AROC最大（0．961），其次为下方RNFL（0．928）和上方RNFL（0．924）。黄斑下方外环区AROC最大（0．876）。早期青光眼患者各象限、平均RNFL厚度和黄斑外环各分区、总黄斑体积较正常人减少，差异有显著性（P=0．021～0．000），而黄斑内环各区与正常人差异无显著性。视乳头旁平均RNFL的AROC最大（0．877），其次为上方RNFL（0．783）和下方RNFL（0．767）。黄斑下方外环区AROC最大（0．728）。结论测量RNFL厚度较测量黄斑厚度具有更强的青光眼早期诊断价值。黄斑厚度测量为青光眼的早期诊断提供了一种新的手段。     

Evaluation of the effect of aging on retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between age and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in normal subjects, as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: One hundred and forty-four normal subjects (144 eyes), ranging from 16 to 84 years of age, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The RNFL thickness was determined using OCT with three circle scans 3.4 mm in diameter. RESULTS: The average RNFL thickness was inversely correlated with age (r = -0.348, p < 0.001). Analyzing the quadrants as a parameter, RNFL thickness in the superior, temporal and inferior quadrants also decreased with age. Using 30-degree segments, there were significant correlations between age and the RNFL thickness of temporal segments (7-11 o'clock). The average RNFL thickness had the highest correlation among all parameters (r = -0.348, p < 0.001). Regarding nasal quadrant thickness, RNFL ratios (average, superior, temporal and inferior RNFL thickness relative to the nasal quadrant thickness) were not significantly correlated with age. The refractive error did not affect RNFL thickness (r = 0.091, p = 0.276). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that RNFL thickness, in particular in the temporal quadrant, measured by OCT significantly decreased with age. Age has to be taken into consideration when we compare RNFL thickness between normal and glaucomatous eyes.     

Evaluation of scanning resolution on retinal nerve fiber layer measurement using optical coherence tomography in normal and glaucomatous eyes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of varying the scanning resolution of optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement on diagnostic sensitivity and functional correlation in glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 314 eyes from 182 subjects including 107 normal eyes, 83 glaucoma suspect eyes, and 124 glaucoma eyes were included in this cross-sectional study. Standard automated perimetry and OCT measurement of RNFL thickness were performed. Each individual underwent two scanning protocols: (1) fast RNFL thickness (3.4) scan (with resolution of 256 scan points) and (2) RNFL thickness (3.4) scan (with resolution of 512 scan points). RNFL thickness was compared among the groups. Diagnostic sensitivity was evaluated with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve. Relationship between RNFL thickness and visual field mean deviation was examined using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Measured RNFL thickness using fast RNFL thickness (3.4) scan was significantly higher compared with RNFL thickness (3.4) scan in average, superior, nasal and inferior RNFL in all diagnostic groups. Comparing normal and glaucoma groups, RNFL thickness (3.4) scan produced the largest area under the ROC curve (0.912) based on average RNFL thickness. A stronger correlation between average RNFL and visual field mean deviation was found in RNFL thickness (3.4) scan (R = 0.75, R = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS: Higher resolution RNFL scan provides better diagnostic sensitivity in glaucoma detection and a stronger correlation with visual function.     

Retinal nerve fiber layer measurement by optical coherence tomography in glaucoma suspects with short-wavelength perimetry abnormalities

PURPOSE: To compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements in normal and glaucoma subjects with short-wavelength automatic perimetry (SWAP) abnormalities and in chronic primary open-angle glaucoma (CPOAG) patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Forty-eight eyes of normal subjects, 34 eyes of glaucoma suspects with SWAP abnormalities, and 38 eyes of early CPOAG subjects were recruited. All normal and glaucoma suspects had normal conventional automated perimetry visual field results. All participants underwent full clinical ophthalmologic evaluation followed by OCT RNFL measurements. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls, OCT RNFL thickness was significantly lower in glaucoma suspects with abnormal SWAP (inferotemporal and superotemporal thickness values) and CPOAG patients (average, superior, inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal thickness values) (P < 0.01). Some parameters were found to be significantly lower in CPOAG patients than the glaucoma suspects with abnormal SWAP (average, inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal thickness values) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: OCT RNFL measurements appear to correlate well with SWAP abnormalities in glaucoma, and may detect glaucomatous damage earlier than standard conventional automated perimetry. This study suggests that OCT may recognize the earliest evidence of structure alterations in CPOAG.     

The investigation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in eyes with optic nerve head drusen

Purpose: To investigate the effect of optic nerve head drusen (ONHD) on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Patients and methods: Twenty-one nonglaucomatous eyes with various degrees of ONHD and 27 age-matched control eyes were included in the study. Visual fields and RNFL thickness were assessed using Humphrey field analyzer and optical coherence tomography (OCT), respectively. The eyes with various degrees of ONHD and the control eyes were compared with regard to visual field (VF) indices and RNFL thicknesses. Results: VF indices of the eyes with ONHD were significantly different from those of the control eyes (p < 0.05), but no significant difference existed among the eyes with various degrees of ONHD (p > 0.05). The RNFL thicknesses of inferior quadrants of the eyes with ONHD were significantly thinner than those of the control eyes (p < 0.05). A significant thinning of the RNFL in the superior and nasal quadrants was observed in grade II and III discs, while temporal quadrants only in grade III discs presented a similar change (p < 0.05). A comparison between the RNFL thicknesses of various degrees of ONHD did not show a significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) except for the thickness in the temporal RNFL (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We found a significant decrease in the RNFL thickness of ONHD patients compared to that of the control subjects. The measurements of VF indices did not show a significant difference between various degrees of ONHD. In contrast, RNFL thickness was significantly correlated with the amount of ONHD. This suggests that OCT may allow the detection of early changes in RNFL thickness in ONHD patients before observable changes in the visual field are seen.     

Retinal nerve fiber layer measures in high- and normal-tension glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the qualitative and quantitative differences in the defects of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in subjects with high tension primary open angle glaucoma and subjects with normal tension glaucoma. METHODS: RNFL was assessed with OCT in 21 eyes with high-tension glaucoma (HTG) and 20 eyes with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Regression analyses were performed to investigate the interaction of disease group and location for localized RNFL loss, and to predict diffuse and localized RNFL loss as a function of age, mean defect, spherical equivalent, disease group, and location. Local RNFL thicknesses for superior clock-hour regions were estimated after adjustment for the thicknesses of symmetrically opposed locations. RESULTS: There were no differences in mean age, visual field defect mean deviation, and refractive error between subjects in HTG and NTG groups. Diffuse RNFL thickness was not significantly different between the two groups [mean RNFL for NTG > HTG by 3.48 mum, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.9 to 10.9 microm, p = 0.092]. There was no significant interaction of group and location for localized RNFL loss (p = 0.916). Local RNFL thickness at superior regions was not significantly different in the two groups, after adjustment for RNFL thickness at corresponding inferior locations (mean RNFL for NTG > HTG by 6.30 microm, 95% CI -1.08 to 13.7 microm, p = 0.34). RNFL thickness decreased, on average (1.88 microm/dB mean deviation, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.55 microm, p < 0.0001) and locally (1.37 microm/dB mean deviation, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.96 microm, p < 0.0001), with increasing severity of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the spatial pattern of RNFL defects, as assessed by the OCT, between HTG and NTG.     

Increasing scans per examination improves the reproducibility on retinal nerve fiber layer measurements by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether increasing the number of scans per examination would improve the reproducibility of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in healthy and glaucomatous eyes. METHODS: A total of 28 eyes of 28 healthy subjects and 20 eyes of 20 patients with primary chronic open-angle glaucoma were recruited. OCT RNFL assessments were obtained in one randomly selected eye. Each subject underwent seven scans on five separate occasions within a 1-month period. RESULTS: In the healthy group, the intervisit mean coefficient of variations (COV's) for the average RNFL thickness (100 sampling points) and the quadrant RNFL measurements (25 sampling points) were similar in a series of three, five, and seven scans per examination (p > 0.05), but COV's for the two clock-hour segment measurements (seven sampling points, superotemporal and inferotemporal) were significantly lower in a series of five and seven scans per examination than that of three scans per examinations (p < 0.01). In the glaucoma groups, COV's for the two quadrant (superior and inferior) and five clock-hour segment RNFL measurements (superior, superotemporal, temporal, inferotemporal, and superonasal) were significantly lower in a series of five and seven scans per examination than that of three scans per examination (p < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the COV's between a series of five scans and that of seven scans per examination in all OCT RNFL thickness parameters in healthy and glaucomatous eyes (p > 0.05). Similar results were observed with intravisit COV comparisons. CONCLUSION: Increasing the number of scans per examination may improve the reproducibility of quadrant and clock-hour segment OCT RNFL measurements in healthy and glaucomatous eyes. A series of five scans per examination is recommended for OCT RNFL measurements.     

光学相干断层成像术测量视网膜神经纤维层厚度对开角型青光眼早期诊断的意义

目的 评价光学相干断层成像术（ＯＣＴ）测量视网膜神经纤维层（ＲＮＦＬ）厚度在原发性开角型青光眼（ＰＯＡＧ）早期诊断中的意义。方法 正常对照组共１２０例（１６９眼）,青光眼患者９６例（１３２眼）并分为早期、进展期及晚期３组。采用ＯＣＴ进行盘周ＲＮＦＬ厚度的测量。结果 青光眼各期ＲＮＦＬ厚度均显著薄于正常对照组,其中早期ＲＮＦＬ厚度异常率为５０％。ＲＮＦＬ在青光眼诊断中的敏感性和特异性分别为７９．５４％与８０．４７％。结论 青光眼早期ＲＮＦＬ厚度已异常变薄,ＯＣＴ对ＲＮＦＬ厚度的测量为青光眼诊断提供了一项新的指标。     

Optical coherence tomography measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer in normal and juvenile glaucomatous eyes

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess and compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in normal and glaucomatous eyes of children using the optical coherence tomograph. The mean RNFL thickness of normal eyes (n=26) was compared with that of glaucomatous eyes (n=26). The eyes were classified into diagnostic groups based on conventional ophthalmological physical examination, Humphrey 30-2 visual fields, stereoscopic optic nerve head photography, and optical coherence tomography. The mean RNFL was significantly thinner in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes: 95+/-26.3 and 132+/-24.5 microm, respectively. More specifically, the RNFL was significantly thinner in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes in the inferior quadrant: 87+/-23.5 and 122+/-24.2 microm, respectively. The mean and inferior quadrant RFNL thicknesses as measured by the optical coherence tomograph showed a statistically significant correlation with glaucoma. Optical coherence tomography may contribute to tracking of juvenile glaucoma progression.