Correlation between the progression of optic disc and visual field changes in glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Glaucoma Research

Background:

• Glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring rely on visual field testing and optic disc evaluation.
• Understanding the temporal relationship between these changes is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the temporal correlation between visual field and optic disc changes.
• To assess the sensitivity of optic disc analysis versus visual field testing in different glaucoma stages.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 86 hypertensive and 16 glaucomatous eyes over up to 9 years.
• Utilized kinetic and computerized static perimetry for visual field assessment.
• Employed manual morphometry for optic disc analysis, focusing on rim area/disc area ratio (R/D).

Main Results:

• Optic disc changes preceded visual field changes in 4 hypertensive eyes.
• Visual field changes preceded optic disc changes in 6 glaucomatous eyes (p=0.042).
• Quantitative optic disc analysis showed higher sensitivity for early glaucomatous changes.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative optic disc analysis may be more sensitive in detecting early glaucoma.
• Visual field examination may be more sensitive for monitoring progression in established glaucoma.
• Findings suggest a differential sensitivity of diagnostic methods based on glaucoma severity.