Correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and visual field loss in normal-tension glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose : To evaluate the correlation between retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and visual field loss in normal-tension glaucoma using nerve fiber analyzer GDx^TM. Methods : NFLT of 69 eyes from 69 patients with NTG was analyzed using GDx^TM. The mean deviation (MD) of measurements by analysis of Humphery automated perimeter and the stage of the disease classification using Greve's modified method of the Aulhorn Classificaiton measured the degree of visual field loss. The examinations are as follows; 1) Correlation between the measurements of 14 parameters and that of MD was evaluated. 2) Disease stage was classified using Greve's modified method of the Aulhorn classificaiton and compared 14 by parameters. 3) Multiple regression analysis for 12 parameters that were significant at stage I). Results : 1) Twelve parameters were correlated with progress on visual of field loss. 2) On multiple comparisons using Superior ratio and Max. modulation, there were significantly decreases between stage O and stage III to VI. 3) The multiple regression equation calculated was significant (p<0.01). The coefficient of determination was 70.9%. Conclusion : It was indicated that measurements using the fiber analyzer GDx^TM would be able to detect the degree of visual field loss with a rate of 70.9%.