Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Glaucoma. II. Retinal Nerve Fiber

Overview

Purpose:
To determine whether retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) photographs canpredict future glaucoma visual field damage.Methods: In a prospective study 158 red free photographs of the RNFL were madefrom November 1994 to June 1995. 28 eyes of 19 patients with ocular hypertension(repeated intraocular pressure over 21 mmHg and normal visual fields - Peristat433 Rodenstock - at first examination) could be re-examined for an average timeof 42,3 (SD 4,5) months.Results: Only in one eye with normal RNFL at the first examination typicalglaucoma visual field defects appeared (6%), but in 6 of 12 eyes (50%) withphotographically demonstrable RNFL defects. The difference was statisticallysignificant.Conclusion: There is only a minor probability, that visual field defects wouldappear during 3 - 5 years in eyes with normal RNFL photographs (6%), but about50% of eyes with originally found RNFL defects.

Key words:
glaucoma, retinal nerve fiber layer