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Progressive retinal nerve fiber layer loss associated with quality of life measure changes
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CORONADO, Calif. — Progressive retinal nerve fiber layer thickness loss was associated with loss of quality of life in glaucoma patients, even after adjustment for degree of visual field loss as measured by standard perimetry, a speaker said.
Carolina P.
Gracitelli
“These findings suggest that rates of structural change assessed by OCT imaging may be valid markers for the degree of self-reported disability associated with glaucoma,” Carolina P. Gracitelli, MD, said at the annual meeting of the American Glaucoma Society.
In a multivariable regression model, statistically significant relationships were found between change in binocular RNFL thickness and change in NEI VFQ-25 scores in 130 patients with glaucoma. For every 1 µm per year of loss of RNFL thickness, patients lost 1.1 units in quality of life measure. A statistically significant relationship was also found between change in binocular standard automated perimetry (SAP) sensitivity and NEI VFQ-25 scores, wherein 1 dB of loss per year in binocular SAP sensitivity resulted in loss of 3.2 units of quality of life measure.
Severity of disease at baseline was also associated with quality of life change, with every 1 dB lower baseline SAP sensitivity measure accountable for an additional 0.24 greater decline in quality of life change, she said.
“Evaluation of structural optic nerve damage is a fundamental part of diagnosis and management of glaucoma,” Gracitelli said. “However, the relationship between structural measurements and disability associated with the disease is not well characterized. Quantification of this relationship may help validate structural measurements as markers directly relevant to quality of life.” – by Patricia Nale, ELS
Disclosure: Gracitelli reports no relevant financial disclosures.