[Rational application of optical coherence tomography in examining glaucomatous optic neuropathy]

Glaucoma-related retinal imaging using frequency domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become an important but not the only basis for the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. The circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and the macular ganglion cell thickness are two commonly used structural parameters in glaucoma. Their diagnostic efficacy is similar, but each has different influencing factors. Clinically, these two parameters should be analyzed together to improve the specificity and sensitivity for detecting glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Recently, there have been quite a few clinical studies on new OCT technologies and concepts related to glaucoma, but it is still necessary to further confirm the application value. Ophthalmologists should master the principle of glaucoma-related OCT retinal imaging, combining with other clinical evaluation methods, to improve early diagnosis and timely detection of glaucomatous progression.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 801-805).