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Abstract #6001 Published in IGR 2-2
Quantitative assessment of the retinal nerve fiber layer in glaucomatous versus healthy eyes using the nerve fiber analyzer
Klemm M; Rumberger E; Richard GSpektrum der Augenheilkunde 2000; 14: 146-151
BACKGROUND: Chronic open-angle glaucoma is characterized by thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Scanning laser polarymetry allows the quantitative assessment of the RNFL and, therefore, has potential application for the early diagnosis of glaucoma. This study was performed to assess the RNFL thickness in healthy eyes versus eyes of patients with primary open angle glaucoma by scanning laser polarymetry. METHODS: In this prospective study 43 normal eyes and 89 glaucomatous eyes of age-matched patients were enrolled. Using the nerve fiber analyzer (NFA), RNFL thickness was measured on a circle around the optic nerve head. The RNFL was assessed for the total circumference of the optic nerve head as well as for the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal region. RESULTS: In the superior and inferior regions, there was a statistically significant difference in the median RNFL thickness between normal and glaucomatous eyes (p < 0.001). Cut-off points to differentiate normal from glaucomatous eyes could not be defined. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative assessment of RNFL thickness may provide a sensitive parameter for diagnosing and monitoring glaucomas and thus complement the diagnostic armamentarium. LA: German
Dr. M. Klemm, Universitäts-Augenklinik Hamburg, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
Classification:
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
6.9.1 Laser scanning (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.9 Computerized image analysis)
