Rates of progressive retinal nerve fiber layer loss in glaucoma measured by scanning laser polarimetry

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate rates of change measured with scanning laser polarimetry with enhanced corneal compensation (GDx ECC) and compare them to those measured using the variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) method in a cohort of glaucoma patients and individuals suspected of having the disease followed over time.

Design: Observational cohort study.

Methods: The study included 213 eyes of 213 patients with an average follow-up time of 4.5 years. Images were obtained annually with the GDx ECC and VCC, along with optic disc stereophotographs and standard automated perimetry (SAP) visual fields. Progression was determined by the Guided Progression Analysis software for SAP and by masked assessment of stereophotographs by expert graders. Joint linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate rates of change in GDx measurements and their relationship with disease progression.

Results: Thirty-three patients (15%) showed progression over time on visual fields and/or stereophotographs. Mean rates of average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness change measured by the GDx ECC were significantly different in progressors versus nonprogressors (-1.24 microm/year vs -0.34 microm/year; P < .001). The area under the ROC curve for discriminating progressors from nonprogressors was significantly higher for rates of change measured by ECC compared to VCC (0.89 vs 0.65; P < .001).

Conclusion: Rates of RNFL change detected by the GDx ECC were significantly greater in eyes with progressive glaucoma compared to eyes with stable disease. Also, the ECC performed significantly better than the VCC for detection of change, suggesting that it could improve longitudinal evaluation of the RNFL with scanning laser polarimetry.