Loss of visual function may precede retinal layer thinning in glaucoma: Study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2021-01-05 12:30 GMT | Update On 2021-01-06 07:11 GMT

USA: True functional change precedes thinning of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in glaucoma, suggests a recent study in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

Previous studies have suggested structural change to be detectable before functional change in glaucoma. However, this may be related to the lower variability and hence narrower limits of structural tests. In this study, Stuart K. Gardiner, Devers Eye Institute, Legacy Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, United States, and colleagues determined whether a time lag exists between the true rates of change in structure and function, regardless of clinical detectability of those changes.

For the purpose, the researchers used structural equation model in order to determine whether the rate of change in function (mean linearized total deviation, AveTDLin) or structure (RNFLT) was predicted by the concurrent or previous rate for the other modality. Rates were calculated over 1135 pairs of consecutive visits from 318 eyes of 164 participants in the Portland Progression Project, with mean 207 days between visits.

Key findings of the study include:

The rate of change of AveTD_Lin was predicted by its own rate in the previous time interval, but not by rates of RNFLT change in either the concurrent or previous time interval.
The rate of RNFLT change was not predicted by concurrent AveTD_Lin change after adjusting for its own previous rate.
The rate of AveTD_Lin change in the previous time interval did significantly improve prediction of the current rate for RNFLT, with P = 0.005, suggesting a time lag of around six months between changes in AveTD_Lin and RNFLT.

"Although RNFL thinning may be detectable sooner, true functional change appears to predict and precede thinning of the RNFL in glaucoma," concluded the authors.

The study, "Time Lag Between Functional Change and Loss of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Glaucoma," is published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

DOI: https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2771921

Article Source : Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Medha Baranwal

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Loss of visual function may precede retinal layer thinning in glaucoma: Study

Similar News

Could we use eye drops instead of reading glasses as we age?

Low Hb Levels may Increase Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Study

Cataract surgery on both eyes can be carried out safely and effectively in one go, reveals study

The Hidden Metabolic Story Behind Vision-Saving Treatment

Antidepressant Use Linked to Lower Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Study Shows

Roche receives EU CE mark for Contivue for neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Anti-VEGF Eye Injections tied to minor Increase in Stroke Risk, suggests research

GLP-1 RAs closely associated with increased risk of developing incident diabetic retinopathy: JAMA