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。     

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.     

Comparison of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness with visual evoked potential and visual field in patients with multiple sclerosis

Background: To evaluate retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and to compare results with visual evoked potentials and visual field in patients with multiple sclerosis. Design: A prospective, case‐control study, university hospital setting. Participants: Seventy‐three eyes of 37 multiple sclerosis patients and 74 eyes of 37 healthy subjects. Methods: All patients underwent a complete neurological and ophthalmological examination and peri‐papillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was evaluated using scanning laser polarimetry (GDx). Furthermore, visual evoked potential and visual field testing were performed. Main Outcome Measures: The χ² test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test and Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis of the GDx, visual evoked potential and visual field testing parameters. Results: GDx measurements showed significantly more retinal nerve fibre layer damage in the patients than in the control groups. Comparison of the GDx parameters between patients with optic neuritis and non‐optic neuritis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in symmetry (P = 0.046) and superior/nasal parameters (P = 0.009). A correlation was found between the number, superior and inferior ratio parameters, and P100 amplitude obtained with visual evoked potential in patients with non‐optic neuritis. Additionally, there was a correlation between the number, inferior ratio and superior/nasal parameters, and the mean deviation of visual field in the non‐optic neuritis group. Conclusions: For retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements in multiple sclerosis patients, the GDx, along with other techniques, such as visual evoked potential, can be used as a diagnostic and follow‐up criterion, particularly in patients without optic neuritis.     

Correlation between retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and retinal sensitivity

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and light threshold values obtained with the Micro Perimeter 1 (MP1). Methods: Forty‐nine normal subjects and 37 glaucoma patients were included. Thickness of the RNFL around the optic disc was measured with Stratus OCT scans, and static threshold perimetry was performed with the MP1 at the same visit. Total average and mean 12‐clock‐hour RNFL thickness were measured with Stratus OCT. An automated 4‐2‐1 staircase strategy with Goldmann III stimuli was used for MP1. The correspondence between Stratus OCT and MP1 RNFL measurements in each clock‐hour was best fit by a second‐order polynomial. Results: Average RNFL thickness in the normal group was significantly higher than that in the glaucoma group in each clock hour. Comparing the normal and glaucomatous groups, retinal sensitivity differed significantly at 6, 7, 8 and 11 o’clock. In these regions, structure–function relationships were generally stronger than in other regions. Conclusions: Structure–function associations may be strong when loss of nerve fibres is severe. However, significant reduction in retinal sensitivity does not emerge until the atrophy of nerve fibres is severe.     

Correlation between nerve fibre layer thickness measured with spectral domain OCT and visual field in patients with different stages of glaucoma

Background  

To measure retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness with spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) in patients with glaucoma, and to evaluate the correlation between visual field parameters and RNFL thickness.     

原发性开角型青光眼与慢性原发性闭角型青光眼视网膜神经纤维层厚度与视野缺损的关系

目的 探讨原发性开角型青光眼(primary open-angle glaucoma,POAG)和慢性原发性闭角型青光眼(chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma,CPACG)患者频域光学相干断层扫描(optical coherence tomography,OCT)检测的视网膜神经纤维层(retinal nerve fiber layer,RNFL)厚度与视野平均缺损(mean defect,MD)的相关性.方法 采用RTVue100-2频域OCT和OCTO-PUS101视野计对POAG患者22例(22眼)及CPACG患者22例(22眼)进行检测,将两组患者RNFL厚度及视野MD值进行比较,应用Pearson积矩相关分析法确定RNFL厚度与视野MD值、上方和下方RNFL厚度与相对应半侧视野MD值的相关性.结果 POAG患者RNFL厚度、上方RNFL厚度及下方RNFL厚度分别为(91.19±15.85)μm、(94.93±18.76) μm、(87.82±15.65) μm,CPACG患者相应的RNFL厚度分别为(88.22±13.01) μm、(90.41±14.16)μm、(86.49±16.63) μm,两组患者各RNFL参数的比较差异均无统计学意义(均为P＞0.05).POAG组总MD值、上方半侧视野MD值、下方半侧视野MD值分别为(8.41±6.07)dB、(8.46±5.39)dB、(6.79±6.67) dB,CPACG组相应的MD值分别为(10.69±3.76) dB、(11.17±3.52) dB、(9.71±5.86)dB,两组患者各MD参数比较,差异均无统计学意义(均为P＞0.05).POAG组总RNFL厚度、上方RNFL厚度及下方RNFL厚度与视野相对应区域MD值呈中度负相关(r分别为:-0.574、-0.464、-0.600,均为P＜0.05),CPACG组总RNFL厚度、上方RNFL厚度及下方RNFL厚度与视野相应区域MD值呈高度负相关(r分别为-0.819、-0.884、-0.812,均为P =0.000);两组患者RNFL厚度与MD的相关系数和下方RNFL厚度与上方半侧视野MD的相关系数的差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05),两组患者上方RNFL厚度与下方半侧视野MD的相关系数的差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 POAG患者RNFL厚度与视野MD呈中度负相关,CPACG患者RNFL厚度与视野MD呈高度负相关;相对于POAG患者,CPACG患者上方RNFL厚度与下方半侧视野MD具有更好的相关性.     

Evaluation of relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness progression and visual field progression in patients with glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate the capability of optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and visual field (VF) measurements in glaucoma progression detection.

Methods

The study examined 62 eyes of 37 glaucoma patients observed over a 3-year period. All eyes underwent at least four serial RNFL measurements performed by Cirrus OCT, with the first and last measurements separated by at least 3 years. VF testing was performed by using the Swedish interactive threshold algorithm (SITA) Standard 30-2 program of the Humphrey field analyzer (HFA) on the same day as the RNFL imaging. Both serial RNFL thicknesses and VF progression were assessed by the guided progression analysis (GPA) software program. RNFL thickness progression was evaluated by event analysis. Total deviation (TD) in the superior or inferior hemifield was also examined.

Results

A total of 295 OCT scans and 295 VFs were analyzed. Five eyes exhibited progression by OCT only and 8 eyes exhibited progression by VF GPA only. When the analysis was based on the combined measurement findings, progression was noted in 6 eyes. The average of the progressive hemifield TD at baseline for combined RNFL and VF progression was ?3.21 ± 1.38 dB, while it was ?2.17 ± 1.14 dB for RNFL progression and ?9.12 ± 3.75 dB for VF progression. The average of the progressive hemifield TD indicated a significant advancement of VF progression as compared to RNFL progression (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

When a mild VF defect is present, OCT RNFL thickness measurements are important in helping discern glaucoma progression.     

Ex-press青光眼引流器植入术对视野和视网膜神经纤维层厚度影响

目的：观察并分析Ex-press 青光眼引流器植入术对原发性开角型青光眼视野和视网膜神经纤维层厚度影响。
　　方法：选取原发性开角型青光眼患者14例24眼,均行Ex-press青光眼引流器植入术。收集术前裸眼视力、眼压、角膜内皮细胞计数、视野平均缺损( MD)、视野模式标准差(PSD)、视网膜神经纤维层厚度,术后1wk,1、3mo的裸眼视力、眼压,术后3 mo的角膜内皮细胞计数、MD、PSD、视网膜神经纤维层厚度,观察随访期间的并发症及相关处理,统计手术成功率。
　　结果：术前,术后1wk,1、3mo 裸眼视力分别进行两两比较,得出差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后视力无明显下降。术后1wk,1、3mo眼压与术前降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且术后3mo内眼压保持平稳。术后3mo视网膜神经纤维层厚度和术前比较差异有统计学意义(P=0.018)。术后3 mo MD绝对值和 PSD 较术前相比,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后3mo的角膜内皮细胞较术前减少,差异有统计学意义(Z=-2.585,P=0.01)。手术成功率：完全成功19眼(79%),条件成功2眼(8%),失败3眼(13%)。
　　结论：Ex-press青光眼引流器植入术术后短时间内可能会引起视网膜神经纤维层厚度变薄,稳定的降眼压效果能有效减缓视野进展,手术未影响视力,降眼压效果好,是治疗原发性开角型青光眼安全、有效的手术方法。     

Evaluation of visual field changes with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in primary congenital glaucoma

Purpose:To evaluate visual field changes in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness on optical coherence tomography.Methods:In this cross-sectional, observational study, consecutive PCG children who underwent combined trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy and on regular follow-up were enrolled. All patients were aged over four years and co-operative for RNFL OCT and visual field examination. Perimetry was done on Humphrey visual field (HVF) analyzer using 30-2 and 10-2 SITA standard algorithms as appropriate. If a reliable automated perimetry was not feasible, kinetic perimetry was done. The following were noted at baseline and every follow-up: age, sex, visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), cup–disc ratio (CDR), corneal diameters, refraction, any topical antiglaucoma medications, surgeries underwent, age at surgery and duration between surgery and final examination.Results:Forty-eight eyes of 34 children operated for PCG and 19 eyes of 17 controls were analyzed. A statistically significant thinner average RNFL thickness of 87.2 ± 28 μm was noted in PCG eyes as compared to controls with 100.6 ± 7.2 μm (P = 0.04). The mean cup–disc area ratio on OCT in PCG eyes was 0.43 ± 0.2 (0.02–0.93) and in control eyes was 0.23 ± 0.07 (0.1–0.4) (P < 0.001). On RNFL OCT, there was significant focal RNFL loss in temporal superior (P = 0.003), nasal inferior (P = 0.037) and temporal inferior (P < 0.001) quadrants compared to controls. Among PCG eyes, 20/48 eyes (41.7%), had definitive, reproducible glaucomatous VF defects. Mean baseline IOP in PCG eyes with VF defect was 28.7 ± 5.7 mmHg and in eyes with normal VF was 24.6 ± 5.9 mmHg (P = 0.03). On univariate regression analysis, higher baseline IOP was significantly associated with both RNFL loss (odds ratio (OR): −2.17) and VF defects (OR: 3.35). Fluctuation in follow-up IOP (OR: 3.33) was also significantly associated with the presence of VF defects. On multivariable regression analysis maximum, IOP was significantly associated with RNFL loss and VF defects.Conclusion:Peripapillary RNFL thickness could be used to identify PCG eyes having visual field loss and possibly poor visual function from PCG eyes without visual field defects. Baseline and follow-up IOP, significantly correlated with RNFL thickness in PCG eyes.     

The correlation between optic nerve head topographic measurements,peripapillary nerve fibre layer thickness,and visual field indices in glaucoma

AIMS: To establish whether the structural parameters provided by the Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) and the laser diagnostics glaucoma scanning system (GDx) can be used to reflect functional damage in the visual field. METHODS: 62 patients with primary open angle glaucoma underwent examination with the HRT, GDx, and Humphrey field analyser. The relations between the topographic parameters, retinal nerve fibre parameters, and visual field indices were analysed by scatter plot and linear regression. RESULTS: Among the topographic parameters generated by the HRT, rim area had the best correlation with visual field indices. The "number," maximum modulation, and ellipse modulation generated by the GDx also had correlations with visual field indices. The correlations were better for the sectoral parameters than the global parameters. However, great interindividual variation was found in the association. CONCLUSION: Although relations were found between some topographic parameters, RNFL parameters, and visual field indices, great interindividual variation limits the prediction of one parameter from the other. Therefore, both structural and functional aspects should be evaluated in order to obtain full characterisation of the glaucomatous damage for clinical judgment and treatment.     

Comparison of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between myopia severity groups and controls

AIM: To compare the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured via optical coherence tomography (OCT) between different groups of myopia severity and controls. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent a full ophthalmic examination, refraction, visual field analysis and A-scan biometry. Myopic patients were classified as low myopia (LM) [spherical equivalent (SE) from greater than -0.5 D, up to -3.0 D], moderate myopia (MM; SE greater than -3.0 D, up to -6.0 D) and high myopia (HM; SE greater than -6.0 D). The control group consisted of emmetropic (EM) patients (SE from +0.5 D to -0.5 D). A Zeiss Cirrus HD-OCT machine was used to measure the peripapillary RNFL thickness of both eyes of each subject. The mean peripapillary RNFL thickness between groups was compared using both analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: A total of 403 eyes of 403 subjects were included in this study. The mean age was 31.48±10.23y. There were 180 (44.7%) eyes with EM, 124 (30.8%) with LM, 73 (18.1%) with MM and 26 (6.5%) with HM. All groups of myopia severity had a thinner average RNFL than the EM group, but after controlling for gender, age, and axial eye length, only the HM group differed significantly from the EM group (P=0.017). Likewise, the superior, inferior and nasal RNFL was thinner in all myopia groups compared to controls, but after controlling for confounders, only the inferior quadrant RNFL was significantly thinner in the HM group, when compared to the EM group (P=0.017). CONCLUSION: The average and inferior quadrant RNFL is thinner in highly myopic eyes compared to emmetropic eyes. Refractive status must be taken into consideration when interpreting the OCT of myopic patients, as RNFL thickness varies with the degree of myopia.     

Rates of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness change in glaucoma patients and control subjects

Purpose

To examine the rates of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) change in glaucoma patients and healthy, age-similar control subjects with three techniques: scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (VCC) and enhanced corneal compensation (ECC), and time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Sixty-one patients and thirty-three controls were examined with each technique and with standard automated perimetry (SAP) every 6 months. Rates of global RNFLT change and SAP mean deviation (MD) change were estimated with linear mixed-effects models.

Results

The median (interquartile range) baseline age was 64.4 (58.2, 71.0) years for patients and 62.4 (56.3, 70.1) years for controls (P=0.56). There was a median of seven examinations over 3.1 years for patients and six examinations in 3.0 years for controls. Baseline visual field MD and RNFLT for all imaging modalities were significantly lower (P<0.01) in patients compared with controls. Rates of RNFLT change were not significantly different between patients and controls (P≥0.19). Mean rates of VCC-measured RNFLT change were −0.18 and −0.37 μm per year in patients and controls, whereas the respective figures for ECC and OCT were −0.13 and −0.31 μm per year, and 0.04 and 0.61 μm per year. Mean rates of MD change were −0.20 and 0.03 dB per year in patients and controls, respectively (P=0.01).

Conclusion

Rates of RNFLT change in glaucoma patients were not statistically different from control subjects for any modality. A significantly negative rate of MD change in patients suggests a genuine, continued deterioration in these patients not reflected by RNFLT changes.     

The relationship between Rarebit perimetry and OCT‐derived retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in glaucoma

Purpose: To examine the association between measures of neuroretinal matrix integrity as determined with Rarebit perimetry and optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐derived retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Methods: One randomly selected eye of 30 White primary open‐angle glaucoma patients (age: 60.9 ± 11.7 years; MD: ?3.2 ± 5.1 dB) and 16 healthy White individuals (age: 33.2 ± 6.4 years; MD: ?0.8 ± 0.8 dB) were included in the study. Participants underwent Rarebit perimetry testing (central field, software version 4) and an OCT fast retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) scan. Correlation was investigated between hemifield Rarebit scores and the corresponding RNFL values, as well as between global Rarebit scores and the respective RNFL measures. Results: Statistically significant correlations of average hit rate (HR) < 90 and mean hit rate (MHR) were detected with Max–Min and average thickness (Pearson’s r ranging from 0.393 to 0.474). Number HR < 90 showed a moderate correlation only with Max–Min (r = ?0.396, P = 0.030). Regarding the association between hemifield hit rates and the corresponding OCT thickness parameters, only inferior maximum correlated moderately with HR superior (r = 0.385, P = 0.035). A tendency was detected for the relationship of superior maximum with HR inferior (r = 0.345, P = 0.062). For the control group, no significant correlation was found for any of the global or hemifield indices and the corresponding thickness values. Conclusion: Although Rarebit perimetry is based on a physiological principle distinctly different from conventional perimetry, it provides global indicators of neuroretinal matrix integrity that correlate with some OCT‐derived RNFL thickness measures.     

视野缺损计分与OCT测量RNFL厚度的关系

目的:探讨视野缺损计分值与视网膜神经纤维层损害的关系。方法:收集开角型青光眼患者30例30眼,分别进行OCT视网膜神经纤维层厚度及视野检查。根据视野结果进行视野缺损计分并分组。组间分析各象限视网膜神经纤维层厚度值与视野缺损计分,平均缺损(MD)的关系和相关性。结果:根据视野缺损计分将患者分为四组,上侧、下侧,平均视网膜神经纤维层厚度在组间有显著性差异(P=0.010,P<0.01,P<0.01)。四组间随视野缺损程度加重,上侧、下侧,平均视网膜神经纤维层厚度变薄。在重度缺损组视网膜神经纤维层厚度最薄。视野缺损计分与上、下、鼻、颞侧及平均视网膜神经纤维层厚度均明显负相关(r=-0.610,P=0.001;r=-0.779,P<0.01;r=-0.463,P=0.015;r=-0.500,P=0.008;r=-0.782,P<0.01),视野指数MD与上侧,下侧及平均RNFL厚度明显正相关(r=0.557,P=0.003;r=0.431,P=0.025;r=0.532,P=0.004)。结论:视野缺损计分对视野缺损的客观评估,与OCT测得的视网膜神经纤维层厚度的结果负相关,是反应青光眼视神经损伤的可靠的观察指标。     

Association between localized visual field losses and thickness deviation of the nerve fiber layer in glaucoma

PURPOSE: To perform a correlation between morphology and function by studying local perimetric field losses and thickness reduction of the nerve layer in corresponding areas. METHOD: Forty-seven patients with "preperimetric" open-angle glaucoma, 95 patients with "perimetric" open-angle glaucoma, and 75 control subjects had perimetric (Octopus) and polarimetric measurements. Criteria for exclusion: optic discs larger than 4 mm, media opacities, polarimetric hourglass pattern in the macular image. Thickness values of the retinal nerve fiber layer were determined in 14 upper and 14 lower sectors (10 degrees each) as well as nasally and temporally (40 degrees each) as provided from the GDx (software version 4000). The healthy control subjects served to determine age-corrected thickness deviation in all sectors. Analyses were calculated in eight nerve fiber bundle related areas. Due to non-linear relationships between perimetric defects and corresponding thickness deviation non-parametric tests were used. RESULTS: Localized visual field defects in the present perimetric patients were highest in upper and lower visual field areas abutting the nasal meridian. Thickness loss of nerve fiber layer however was highest in more circumferential upper and lower nerve fiber bundles. Correlations between local mean defects and deviation of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness from normals showed a clear association for corresponding areas. The correlation coefficients were significant (P < 0.01) for all arcuate superior and inferior visual field zones except horizontally and not for the area of the lower nasal step. CONCLUSION: The present correspondence map indicates that focal perimetric defects can be identified best polarimetrically if they occur in the arcuate bundles of the visual field. A lack of correspondence was observed in the area of the papillo-macular bundle.     

Detecting early glaucoma by assessment of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and visual function

PURPOSE: To compare the abilities of scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), optical coherence tomography (OCT), short-wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP), and frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimetry to discriminate between healthy eyes and those with early glaucoma, classified based on standard automated perimetry (SAP) and optic disc appearance. To determine the agreement among instruments for classifying eyes as glaucomatous. METHODS: One eye of each of 94 subjects was included. Healthy eyes (n = 38) had both normal-appearing optic discs and normal SAP results. Glaucoma by SAP (n = 42) required a repeatable abnormal result (glaucoma hemifield test [GHT] or corrected pattern standard deviation [CPSD] outside normal limits). Glaucoma by disc appearance (n = 51) was based on masked stereoscopic photograph evaluation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve areas, sensitivities, and specificities were calculated for each instrument separately for each diagnosis. RESULTS: The largest area under the ROC curve was found for OCT inferior quadrant thickness (0.91 for diagnosis based on SAP, 0.89 for diagnosis based on disc appearance), followed by the FDT number of total deviation plot points of < or =5% (0.88 and 0.87, respectively), SLP linear discriminant function (0.79 and 0.81, respectively), and SWAP PSD (0.78 and 0.76, respectively). For diagnosis based on SAP, the ROC curve area was significantly larger for OCT than for SLP and SWAP. For diagnosis based on disc appearance, the ROC curve area was significantly larger for OCT than for SWAP. For both diagnostic criteria, at specificities of > or =90% and > or =70%, the most sensitive OCT parameter was more sensitive than the most sensitive SWAP and SLP parameters. For diagnosis based on SAP, the most sensitive FDT parameter was more sensitive than the most sensitive SLP parameter at specificities of > or =90% and > or =70% and was more sensitive than the most sensitive SWAP parameter at specificity of > or =70%. For diagnosis based on disc appearance at specificity of > or =90%, the most sensitive FDT parameter was more sensitive than the most sensitive SWAP and SLP parameters. At specificity > or = 90%, agreement among instruments for classifying eyes as glaucomatous was poor. CONCLUSIONS: In general, areas under the ROC curve were largest (although not always significantly so) for OCT parameters, followed by FDT, SLP, and SWAP, regardless of the definition of glaucoma used. The most sensitive OCT and FDT parameters tended to be more sensitive than the most sensitive SWAP and SLP parameters at the specificities investigated, regardless of diagnostic criteria.     

Longitudinal nerve fibre layer thickness change in normal-pressure glaucoma

Purpose: To investigate longitudinal retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness change in patients with normal-pressure glaucoma (NPG) and to assess how this may be related to visual fields. Methods: NPG patients and normal subjects who had had serial GDx nerve fibre layer Analyzer II imaging and Humphrey visual fields performed at least 18 months apart were selected for study. These measurements were compared between groups at baseline and at subsequent follow-up, for change over time. Results: Seventy-five NPG patients and 35 normal subjects were studied. Significant differences in RNFL thickness were found between NPG patients and normal controls at baseline (P≤0.001). Over the same time, there was greater RNFL thinning in NPG patients than in normal subjects (P≤0.0001). RNFL thinning in NPG was negatively correlated with visual field log MD at baseline (P<0.001) and change in MD over time (P<0.001). Conclusion: Reduction of RNFL thickness over time was significantly greater in NPG patients than in normal subjects, indicating that NPG patients’ RNFL had thinned at a faster rate. NPG patients with initially better visual fields had a greater reduction in RNFL thickness than did those with initially more advanced visual field defects, suggesting that more RNFL change may be observed when glaucoma is at an earlier stage. There was a direct relationship between RNFL thinning and visual field deterioration. Received: 15 February 2000 Revised: 27 June 2000 Accepted: 3 July 2000