Sensitivity and specificity of scanning laser polarimetry using the GDx.

Background/aims: To determine the sensitivity and the specificity of the GDx in the detection of (1) advanced glaucoma, (2) early glaucoma, and (3) nerve fibre bundle defects (NFBD).

Methods: Group A comprised 20 eyes with reproducible glaucomatous visual field defects confirmed by octopus perimetry, group B consisted of 10 eyes with normal visual fields but either glaucomatous NFBD or deterioration of the disc over time clearly visible upon flicker comparison, and group C included 16 eyes with glaucomatous or non-glaucomatous NFBD clearly visible on red free photographs. Forty four eyes of 22 healthy volunteers served as controls.

Reproducibility of topographic measurements of the optic nerve head with laser tomographic scanning.

Topographic analysis and measurement of the optic nerve head is important for the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. To quantify structures of the optic nerve head the new technique of laser tomographic scanning was used. A laser beam was focused onto the surface of the optic nerve head and the reflected light was detected in a confocal detection unit.

[3-dimensional biomorphometry of the papilla using a laser tomography scanning procedure--initial experiences with pathologic papillar findings].

Three-dimensional topographical analysis of the optic nerve head and the parapapillary region was performed with a confocal laser tomographic scanner. Four patients with various disorders of the optic nerve head (glaucoma, optic disk pit, morning glory syndrome and a parapapillary neoplasm) were investigated as examples of application of the method in a clinical setting.