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  • Rate of RNFL loss predictive of visual field damage in glaucoma suspects

    By Alma I. Murphy, MD
    Comprehensive Ophthalmology

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    This prospective study showed a clear relationship between a faster rate of RNFL loss in glaucoma suspects and subsequent development of visual field loss. 

    The authors used SD-OCT to compare the rates of RNFL loss in glaucoma suspects who developed visual field damage with those who did not develop visual field damage. A total of 294 subjects underwent an average of 4.6 SD-OCT examinations over a median follow-up of 2.2 years.

    The rate of global RNFL loss was more than twice as fast in eyes that developed visual field damage compared with eyes that did not. A joint longitudinal survival model showed that a 1-mm/year faster rate of RNFL loss corresponded to a 2.05-times higher risk of developing visual field damage.

    They conclude that monitoring the rate of RNFL loss in glaucoma suspects may allow earlier discrimination of patients who need glaucoma treatment.