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Photography, corneal thickness help track glaucoma
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MIAMI — The Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study showed that corneal thickness and optic disc photography can play key roles in tracking the progression of glaucoma, according to Paul Palmberg, MD.
In 55% of ocular hypertensive patients in the OHTS who progressed to glaucoma, the progression could be detected by optic nerve photography, even though there was no change in their visual fields, Dr. Palmberg said here. He spoke at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Inter-American meeting.
Dr. Palmberg said the study showed a “dramatic effect” of corneal thickness on the risk of developing glaucoma. For every 10% reduction in corneal thickness there was a 70% reduction in the likelihood of progression of glaucoma, Dr. Palmberg said.
The multicenter study included 1,600 patients between the ages of 40 and 80 years who had normal Humphrey visual fields, normal optic discs and untreated elevated IOP. The patients were on no medications and had IOP readings between 24 and 32 mm Hg in one eye and 21 and 32 mm Hg in the other eye. Patients were treated with beta-blockers first, then other glaucoma medications were added as needed, Dr. Palmberg said.