Relationship between standard automated perimetry and retinal nerve fiber layer parameters measured with laser polarimetry

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the relationship between the structural parameters of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) obtained by using the scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) and the results of standard automated perimetry (SAP), in normal, ocular hypertensive, preperimetric glaucomas and glaucoma subjects. MethodsA total of 423 eyes of 423 consecutive subjects were prospectively included in the study and classified depending on the basal intraocular pressure, optic nerve head appearance and SAP results into four groups: 87 normal eyes, 192 ocular hypertensive eyes, 70 preperimetric glaucomas and 74 glaucomatous eyes. Pearson's correlation coefficients, between mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation, number of points altered in each quadrant, and number of points altered at different probability levels of SAP and structural parameters of RNFL obtained by using GDx VCC, were calculated in the different diagnostic groups. In the glaucoma group correlations between the 52 points tested by 24-2 SITA standard and GDx parameters were also calculated. Regression curves were plotted for the strongest correlations. ResultsWeak or non-significant correlations were found in the normal, ocular hypertensive and preperimetric glaucoma groups. However, the glaucoma group presented weak to moderate correlations between several GDx VCC parameters and the SAP variables analysed. The strongest correlation was observed between the standard deviation TSNIT and the MD (0.460). ConclusionsRNFL parameters measured with the GDx VCC presented weak to moderate correlations with the visual field indices and the number of altered points in the glaucoma group.