Scanning laser polarimetry could be used to detect, monitor glaucomatous progression

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. DOI: 10.1167/iovs.08-2712.

Scanning laser polarimetry with variable corneal compensation detected progressive retinal nerve fiber layer loss in glaucoma patients and glaucoma suspects, potentially allowing for monitoring of the disease, a study found.

"The GDx VCC scanning laser polarimeter was able to identify longitudinal [retinal nerve fiber layer] loss in eyes that showed progression in optic disc stereophotographs and/or visual fields," the study authors said. "These findings suggest that this technology could be useful to detect and monitor progressive disease in patients with established diagnosis of glaucoma or suspected of having the disease."

The observational cohort study was conducted on 335 eyes of 195 patients. A GDx VCC scanning laser polarimeter, optic disc stereophotographs and standard automated perimetry visual fields were used to obtain annual images. Median follow-up time was 3.94 years.

Thirty-four eyes (10%) showed progression by stereophotographs and/or standard automated perimetry. The average GDx VCC measurements decreased significantly over time both for patients whose disease progressed and those whose disease did not progress. The rate of decline was significantly higher in the progressive glaucoma group.

In addition, black race and male gender were significantly associated with higher rates of retinal nerve fiber layer loss at follow-up.