Analysis of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Aim: To detect early glaucomatous damage in PXS with normal IOP, visual field and optic nerve head appearance by assessing the RNFL thickness using SD-OCT. Design: prospective observational study. Methods: The study was carried out on 40 eyes; 20 non-glaucomatous eyes with PXS (group A) and 20 normal control subjects (group B). After informed consent was signed and BCVA, participants underwent slit lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, ophthalmoscopy, automated refraction and Humphrey (central 24-2 threshold) visual field. Results: In our study we demonstrated the mean overall RNFL thickness in both groups and we found it was lower in group A than B. Conclusion: Pseudo-exfoliation syndrome without glaucoma may be associated with a thinner RNFL compared with those of control subjects so even small rise in IOP causes damage to the RNFL. Thus we can say that structural damage preceeds functional loss and that early RNFL thickness assessment using OCT is important in the early diagnosis, intervention and follow-up of pseudo exfoliation glaucoma.