Recent developments in the use of optical coherence tomography for glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring rely on imaging techniques.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides detailed structural information.
• Advancements in OCT technology offer novel parameters for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on novel optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters.
• To highlight the utility of these parameters in diagnosing and monitoring glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent reports on OCT parameters in glaucoma.
• Analysis of diagnostic capabilities of optic nerve head (ONH), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macular parameters.
• Evaluation of novel parameters like Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW).

Main Results:

• ONH, RNFL, and macular OCT parameters demonstrate high diagnostic capability.
• The inferotemporal BMO-MRW sector shows superior diagnostic performance.
• Minimum ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer thickness are key macular parameters.
• OCT parameters are manufacturer-dependent and not interchangeable.
• Machine-learning algorithms show potential for improving diagnostic accuracy with OCT.

Conclusions:

• Digital imaging in glaucoma is advancing with new OCT parameters.
• Novel parameters for ONH, RNFL, and macula offer high diagnostic abilities.
• These OCT metrics are complementary and essential for glaucoma management.