Correlation of retinal nerve fiber layer measured by scanning laser polarimeter to visual field in ischemic optic neuropathy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurement with scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) and standard automated perimetry (SAP) in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).


METHODS
In this prospective observational case series, all subjects (28 eyes with NAION) underwent SAP and SLP. The RNFL retardation measurements and visual field test points were grouped into 6 corresponding sectors. The contralateral uninvolved eye was used as control. The relationship between RNFL retardation and SAP was evaluated with the Spearman nonparametric technique and linear regression analysis. The main outcome measure was correlation of SLP RNFL parameters and SAP.


RESULTS
Global and sectoral SLP parameters showed a significant difference in affected eyes compared with controls. The strongest correlations were seen between mean deviation and number (r = -0.524; P = .004), ellipse modulation (r = 0.5026; P = .006), and maximum modulation (r = 0.526; P = .004). Superior sectoral visual field indexes showed a strong correlation with inferior RNFL changes (r = 0.522; P<.008). Linear regression confirmed a strong relationship between the superior sectoral visual field indexes and the inferior RNFL.


CONCLUSIONS
Scanning laser polarimetry was able to identify structural changes of the RNFL globally and in the inferior SLP sector with functional loss in NAION.
Danesh-Meyer
Helen V
HV
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. h.daneshmeyer@auckland.ac.nz
Carroll
Stuart C
SC
Ku
Judy Y F
JY
Hsiang
John
J
Gaskin
Brent
B
Gamble
Greg G
GG
Savino
Peter J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000473:pathology*; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000473:pathology; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014794:Visual Fields