advertisement

Topcon

Abstract #6009 Published in IGR 2-2

Relationship between structural abnormalities and short-wavelength perimetric defects in eyes at risk of glaucoma

Ugurlu S; Hoffman D; Garway-Heath DF; Caprioli J
American Journal of Ophthalmology 2000; 129: 592-598


PURPOSE: To determine the relative prevalence of blue-yellow perimetric defects and structural abnormalities of the optic nerve and nerve fiber layer in eyes at risk of glaucoma. METHODS: Seventy-two eyes (of 72 patients) at risk of glaucoma, with normal white-on-white full threshold perimetry, were examined prospectively with blue-yellow full-threshold perimetry (Humphrey). Structural evaluations were conducted with qualitative assessment of stereoscopic color optic disc photographs and monochromatic nerve fiber layer photographs performed independently by three masked examiners (a glaucoma specialist and two glaucoma fellows), and statistical analysis of summary parameters was obtained with scanning confocal laser tomography (abnormal defined as values outside 95% confidence limits established in normal control subjects). RESULTS: Kappa values for interobserver agreement were 0.64, 0.88, and 0.79 for optic disc evaluation and 0.59, 0.60, and 0.61 for nerve fiber layer evaluation. Thirteen (18%) of 72 eyes had blue-yellow abnormalities. A total of 30 eyes (42%) were identified as having a structural abnormality; 29 (40%) had qualitatively determined optic disc abnormalities, 21 (29%) had qualitatively determined nerve fiber layer defects, and 26 (36%) had statistically significant structural abnormalities. Twelve of 13 eyes with blue-yellow defects had a detectable structural abnormality; all 12 had abnormalities identified with disc photography, nine with nerve fiber layer photography, and 12 by scanning laser tomography. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically detectable structural abnormalities frequently coexist with blue-yellow perimetric defects in patients with ocular hypertension. A substantial proportion of patients with ocular hypertension with normal blue-yellow perimetry has early detectable glaucomatous structural abnormalities.

Dr. S. Ugurlu, Glaucoma Division, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA


Classification:

2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
2.14 Optic disc (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
6.6.3 Special methods (e.g. color, contrast, SWAP etc.) (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.6 Visual field examination and other visual function tests)
6.8.2 Posterior segment (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.8 Photography)



Issue 2-2

Change Issue


advertisement

Nidek