PURPOSE: Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized by a loss of retinal nerve fibres. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) photography as a routine examination for the early diagnosis of glaucomatous damage. METHODS: Between 1991 and 2000 we monitored 96 patients with ocular hypertension in a prospective study. RNFL photography was performed in 91 subjects. These photos were evaluated by two independent observers. RESULTS: The mean image quality of the photos was mediocre. The correlation coefficient for the intraindividual reproducibility (image quality) was 0.713-0.863 (Kendall's coefficient). For the interindividual reproducibility the correlation coefficient was 0.541-0.581 (Somers' coefficient). Regarding the evaluation "RNFL defect yes/no", the correlations were better but there was a discrepancy between the observers. CONCLUSION: Quality, reproducibility and prognostic value of RNFL photography were disappointing. Although RNFL photography may be convincing and informative in several situations, it is not efficient as a routine technique for the early diagnosis of RNFL damage in glaucoma patients.
PURPOSE: Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized by a loss of retinal nerve fibres. The aim of our present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) photography as a routine examination for the early diagnosis of glaucomatous damage. METHODS: Between 1991 and 2000 we monitored 96 patients with ocular hypertension in a prospective study. RNFL photography was performed in 91 subjects. These photos were evaluated by two independent observers. RESULTS: The mean image quality of the photos was mediocre. The correlation coefficient for the intraindividual reproducibility (image quality) was 0.713-0.863 (Kendall's coefficient). For the interindividual reproducibility the correlation coefficient was 0.541-0.581 (Somers' coefficient). Regarding the evaluation "RNFL defect yes/no", the correlations were better but there was a discrepancy between the observers. CONCLUSION: Quality, reproducibility and prognostic value of RNFL photography were disappointing. Although RNFL photography may be convincing and informative in several situations, it is not efficient as a routine technique for the early diagnosis of RNFL damage in glaucomapatients.
Authors: Mauro T Leite; Harsha L Rao; Linda M Zangwill; Robert N Weinreb; Felipe A Medeiros Journal: Ophthalmology Date: 2011-03-05 Impact factor: 12.079