Estimation of the Relative Nerve Fiber Layer Surface Height - new modulated parameter of glaucomatous damage of the optic
nerve head (ONH)

Romaniuk W, Nita M., Markowska J, Koziol H, Pilka G and
Muskalski K.

Department of Ophthalmology, Silesian School of Medicine and St. Barbara Specialist Hospital, Sosnowiec, Poland

Purpose: To determine if modulated parameter distinguish glaucoma from healthly subjects. To compare and to evaluate specifity of non modulated and modulated parameters with the other measured topographic parameters.

Material: POAG group: 40 women (72 eyes) and 62 men (106 eyes), mean age: 60.15 (+/- 11.00) yrs. Control group: 46 women (106 eyes) and 38 men (58 eyes), mean age 58.17 (+/- 10.52) yrs. POAG patients had early, moderate or severe perimetric changes. All patients were controlled pharmacologically (IOP<21 mmHg) with beta-blockers and/or topical CAI.

Method: The new modulated parameter – Relative Nerve Fiber Layer Height was measured by using Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT) and obtained by subtracting the temporal reference sector (Ref. T) in the range -30° - +30° from the original parameter HRT in the entire 360°.

Results: Modulated parameter distinguished glaucoma and control group. Sensitivity and specifity of modulated parameter was better than non modulated one. As matter of sensitivity and specifity parameter relative nerve fiber layer surface height placed according to: Cup Shape Measure, Cup Volume, C/D Area ratio, Rim Volume, Rim Area.

Conclusion: The new modulated parameter of HRT – Relative Nerve Fiber Layer Height is significant marker of glaucomatous damage of ONH.