To introduce the RNFL thickness slope (RNFL-S) as a novel biomarker for assessing local ganglion cell populations and its correlation with visual field sensitivity in early glaucoma.
Approach:
Study Design: A prospective cross-sectional study involving participants with early glaucoma and healthy controls, utilizing a polarisation-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) prototype.
Participants: Included 139 healthy and 50 glaucoma participants after screening and exclusion criteria were applied.
Biomarker Development: Developed RNFL-S measured along individual nerve fibre trajectories to capture focal glaucomatous damage.
Key Findings:
RNFL-S shows significant local correlation with visual field sensitivity in early glaucoma.
Conventional structural measures may overlook focal glaucomatous damage that RNFL-S can detect.
Interpretation:
RNFL-S may enhance the understanding of structure-function relationships in glaucoma, potentially improving early detection.
Limitations:
Study conducted in a single center, limiting generalizability.
Further research needed to validate RNFL-S as a clinical biomarker.
Conclusion:
RNFL-S could serve as a valuable tool for assessing localized damage in early glaucoma, warranting further investigation.
Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FMCP, FOWNS, reviewed how levels of individual hormones and the balance between them help regulate tear production, inflammation, wound healing, lipid secretion, intraocular pressure (IOP), and neuroprotection, and therefore can result in a higher burden of dry eye, glaucoma, or retinal disease in women.
