Customized measurements improve structure-function link in glaucoma

Visual field and OCT measurements alone did not improve structure-function correlation analysis in a group of glaucoma patients, according to a study.

“The highest structure-function correlation in our study was obtained with customized ONH sectors and individualized spatial mapping using anatomic features. We suggest considering customized 30° ONH sectors based on observed structural damage instead of fixed, predefined sectors to unmask localized defects in structure-function studies and in the clinic,” the study authors said.

The cross-sectional study included 23 patients with glaucoma. Investigators obtained high-resolution visual fields and used spectral-domain OCT to measure retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Individualized spatial maps based on biometric data were also used.

A 30° sector centered on the largest defect was used to customize the areas of correlation for the optic nerve head (ONH) and visual field. Visual field locations using individualized maps were also used.

Investigators calculated baseline structure-function correlations between 24-2 locations of the first tested visual field and RNFL thickness from one OCT scan.

Additional data such were used to re-compute structure-function correlations.

In the superior temporal ONH sector, the highest baseline correlation was 0.52. Improved measurements increased the correlation only slightly, to 0.58.

“Applying the individualized map to the large, predefined ONH sectors did not improve the correlation,” the author said. “However, using the individualized map with the single 30° ONH sector resulted in a large increase in correlation to 0.77.” – by Matt Hasson

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Source:

Ganeshrao SB, et al. Ophthalmology. 2015;doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2015.04.021.