[Correlation between quantitative nerve fiber layer thickness and mean defect of visual field in primary open angle glaucoma].

Objective: To establish whether the structural parameters provided by GDx can be used to reflect functional damage in the mean defect of visual field.

Methods: 97 (191 eyes) patients with primary open angle glaucoma underwent examination with GDx and Octopus 1-2-3 automatic perimeter. The relationship between the retinal nerve fiber layer parameters and mean defect of visual field was analysed by ANOVA, Pearson's correlation(r), scatter plot and linear regression.

Results: The parameters of GDx decreased with increasing mean defect of visual field, measured both globally and regionally; r: SA = -0.58, TSNIT = -0.52, IA = -0.52, NFI = -0.48 and IES = -0.33. All parameters were negative correlation with mean defect of visual field and there was significant correlation among these parameters, except IES (P < 0.05). The superior mean defect of visual field increased with decreasing inferior RNFL (r = -0.61), inferior visual field mean defect increased with decreasing superior RNFL (r = -0.59). There were significant correlation among these parameters.

Conclusion: Quantitative measures of the retinal nerve fiber layer using GDx were correlated with mean defect of visual field in patients with glaucoma. GDx can be used for follow up.