Disc size correlated with nerve fiber layer area using nerve fiber layer polarimetry

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-15-1996

Journal

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science

Volume

37

Issue

3

Abstract

Purpose: To relate optic disc size, age, race, and gender to nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness estimated with the Nerve Fiber Analyzer. Methods: 259 persons were imaged using the Nerve Fiber Analyzer as part of the Baltimore Eye Survey Follow-Up Study. 115 men, 144 women, 151 black patients, and 108 white patients were included. Disc area was determined using the Topcon Imagenet System. All eyes were phakic, with no diabetes, no prior surgery, IOP<22 mm Hg, with normal Humphrey threshold visual fields. All images were obtained by an experienced operator and were analyzed by one investigator, selecting elliptical regions for data analysis to be 1.3, 1.7, and 2.1 disc diameters from the center of the disc. Thickness measures were integrated around the disc to give total NFL area. Linear regression analysis was used; right and left eyes were analyzed separately. Results: Mean disc area was significantly larger in blacks than whites (p<.025) but unrelated to gender or age. NFL area was significantly larger for larger disc sizes at the 1.3 and 1.7 ellipses (p<05 for right eyes; p=.001 for left eyes). The NFL was thinner in older persons (p=.03 for right eyes; p=.1 for left eyes). The 2.1 disc diameter ellipse was frequently outside the 15° view and could not be analyzed consistently. Conclusions: NFL area correlates significantly with disc size using nerve fiber layer polarimetry. Further regional data and results of multivariate analysis will be presented.

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