Rate of three-dimensional neuroretinal rim thinning in glaucomatous eyes with optic disc haemorrhage

To investigate the thinning rate of three-dimensional neuroretinal rim thickness (3D-NRT) in glaucoma eyes with optic disc haemorrhage (DH) and its relationship to retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) progression.

Ninety-five (95) eyes of 95 glaucoma patients with initial DH in the inferotemporal (n=69) and superotemporal (n=26) regions and 48 eyes of 48 glaucoma patients without DH were retrospectively reviewed. The rates of change for 3D-NRT and RNFLT were compared by linear mixed-effect model. For the direct comparison between 3D-NRT and RNFLT, dynamic-range-based normalised coefficient was used. The effect of DH frequency on the rates of thinning of 3D-NRT and RNFLT was evaluated.

During a mean 7-year follow-up, the rates of thinning of 3D-NRT (-5.69±4.88 µm/year) and RNFLT (-2.03±2.03 µm/year) at 7 o'clock were faster than those at other locations (all p<0.05) in DH eyes. The dynamic-range-based normalised rate of thinning was significantly faster for RNFLT (-2.06%±1.62%/year) than for 3D-NRT (-1.15%±1.10%/year, p<0.001) in DH eyes, but not in non-DH eyes (p=0.43). DH frequency in the inferotemporal region was associated with the thinning rate of 3D-NRT as well as RNFLT.

DH eyes are associated with the progression of both 3D-NRT and RNFLT, especially in the inferotemporal region. DH eyes show a relatively faster thinning rate of average RNFLT than 3D-NRT. The frequency of DH can affect the progression of 3D-NRT as well as RNFLT.