이은지 교수

Decreased parapapillary microvasculature of the retina determined by OCTA was found at the location of RNFL defect in POAG patients. This finding suggests that the decreased retinal microvasculature is likely secondary loss or closure of capillaries at the area of glaucomatous RNFL atrophy.

MvD was identified in the parapapillary deep layer exclusively in POAG eyes at the location of glaucomatous damage using optical coherence tomography angiography. The finding suggests that peripapillary deep-layer circulation is directly related to the glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Microvasculature dropout enlargement was associated with progressive RNFL thinning in POAG.

The peripheral LC exhibited a recent alteration in eyes with DH. The alteration was correlated spatially with the location of the DH. These findings suggest that DH may result from microvascular damage incurred from alteration of the LC near its insertion.

Within the limits of retest variability, Stratus OCT detects progressive RNFL atrophy with high sensitivity and moderate specificity in cases showing localized progressive loss of retinal nerve fibers in red-free photographs. The specificity can be improved by use of multiple measurements. Stratus OCT is a potentially useful technique for detection of glaucoma progression.

The present study investigated 22 cases of peripapillary retinoschisis in glaucomatous eyes. The retinoschisis was attached to the optic nerve and topographically correlated with RNFL defect. It often resolved spontaneously without causing severe visual disturbance. Care should be taken not to overestimate the RNFL thickness in eyes with retinoschisis, and also not to misinterpret the resolution of retinoschisis as a rapid glaucomatous RNFL deterioration.

Optical coherence tomography angiography showed MvDs in the parapapillary deep layers that were associated with both β- and γ-zones within the PPAs. The microstructure of PPAs with MvDs was not distinguishable from that of PPAs not associated with MvDs.

The rate of OCT RNFL thinning was significantly greater in patients with progressive localized RNFL defects than in those with stable localized defects. The data suggest that trend-based analysis of OCT RNFL thickness may be useful in glaucoma progression analysis and may complement other diagnostic tests.

This method provides measurable 3D images of the LC that enable comprehensive evaluation of the LC configuration. This technique should facilitate the investigation of the LC in glaucomatous eyes.