Evaluation of the Macular Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer and the Circumpapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Early to Severe Stages of Glaucoma: Correlation with Central Visual Function and Visual Field Indexes.

Objectives: To compare the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) and the macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) in glaucoma patients at different disease stages and to evaluate correlations between optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters with central visual function and visual field (VF) indexes. Patients and Methods: One hundred forty patients were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Subjects diagnosed with chronic open-angle glaucoma and 20/40 or better vision were recruited and classified as having early, moderate, or severe VF defects based on Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson criteria. cpRNFL and macular GCIPL were measured using Cirrus high-definition OCT. Central retinal sensitivity and visual acuity were recorded. Results: All OCT measurements differed significantly between patients with early and severe VF defects (p < 0.001). Correlations between central vision and VF indexes with OCT measurements were moderate but significant; better-correlated OCT parameters were the inferior cpRNFL quadrant, average cpRNFL thickness, inferior and inferior temporal GCIPL sectors, and minimum GCIPL thickness (r = 0.63-0.71, p < 0.001). Visual acuity was not correlated with either circumpapillary or macular OCT measurements. Conclusions: Inner macular parameters performed as well as cpRNFL in patients with different stages of glaucoma. Inferior macular GCIPL sectors, minimum GCIPL thickness, and the inferior cpRNFL quadrant best differentiate disease severity and correlate with central visual function and VF indexes. (C) 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel