The Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Ocular Hypertensive, Normal, and Glaucomatous Eyes With Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

To quantitatively assess and compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in ocular hypertensive eyes with normal and glaucomatous eyes using the Optical Coherence Tomograph (OCT 2000, software version A4X1; Humphrey Instruments, San Leandro, Calif). Methods:The mean RNFL thickness of ocular hypertensive (n = 28) eyes was compared with age-matched normal (n = 30) and glaucomatous (n = 29) eyes. Subject eyes were classified into diagnostic groups based on intraocular pressure, stereoscopic disc photographs, and standard automated perimetry. Three circular scans were obtained for each eye at a diameter of 3.4 mm around the optic disc. In each eye, average RNFL thickness measurements were obtained in temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants. A single index of average RNFL thickness throughout 360°also was obtained.Results: Mean (95% confidence interval) RNFL was significantly thinner in ocular hypertensive eyes than in normal eyes, 72.8 µm (66.4-78.1 µm) and 85.8 µm (80.2-91.7 µm), respectively. More specifically, RNFL was significantly thinner in ocular hypertensive eyes than in normal eyes in the inferior quadrant, 84.8 µm (75.6-94.0 µm) vs 107.6 µm (99.3-115.9 µm); and in the nasal quadrant, 44.1 µm (37.5-51.7 µm) vs 61.8 µm (53.0-65.6 µm). Retinal nerve fiber layer was significantly thinner in glaucomatous eyes than in ocular hypertensive and normal eyes throughout 360°and in all quadrants. Conclusion:These findings suggest that quantitative differences in RNFL thickness exist between age-matched ocular hypertensive, normal, and glaucomatous eyes.

Optical coherence tomography, frequency-doubling technology, and colour Doppler imaging in ocular hypertension

“…26,29,30 The thinning observed in the RNFL inferior quadrant in patients with OH confirms previous observations, 31 although with a different percentage incidence that may be owing to the analysis method used. [32][33][34][35] This localized thinning of the RNFL might be an early sign of glaucoma 36 before any signs of optic nerve disorders or visual field impairment appear.…”

Optical coherence tomography—a review of the principles and contemporary uses in retinal investigation

“…Another study found a difference between normal and ocular hypertensive eyes in the inferior and nasal quadrants. 57 OCT measurement of RNFL thickness also correlated well with the global indices of visual function on the visual field analysis.…”

Objective analysis of retinal damage in HIV-positive patients in the HAART era using OCT

“…The RNFL was thickest in the superior and inferior retinal areas and thinner in the temporal and nasal ones, which is in agreement with other studies. 30,31 Schuman and associates, 30 Bowd and associates, 31 and Liu and associates 27 reported a difference between the nasal and temporal RNFL thickness, with the nasal quadrant thinner than the temporal quadrant. However, we found that the temporal RNFL thickness had a tendency to be thinner than the nasal quadrant.…”