In–vivo visualization of parapapillary auto fluorescence in normals, ocular hypertensives, and primary open angle glaucomas.

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:To assess the pronounced parapapillary auto fluorescence (PAF) in ocular hypertension (OHT) or primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods:Controlled cross–sectional prospective analysis of 79 consecutive eyes (15 controls, 26 OHT, 38 POAG). Detection of PAF with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (HRA, Heidelberg engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). Results:The PAF–area was smaller in controls (0.04 ± 0.05 mm²) than in OHT (0.11 ± 0.14 mm²; p=0.02). The maximum of PAF was found in POAG (0.42 ± 0.96 mm²) in contrast to controls (p=0.02) and OHT (p=0.05). The distance between PAF–area and the optic nerve head was longer in POAG than in OHT (p=0.005) and controls (p=0.002). No PAF was detected in zone beta, but in zone alpha. Conclusions:Manifest glaucomas have more distant and larger PAF–areas in contrast to OHT or controls in descending order. The HRA may visualize "active" processes in parapapillary atrophic zone alpha in OHT or POAG. Reference: Viestenz A, Mardin CY, Langenbucher A, Naumann GOH. In–vivo measurement of autofluorescence in the parapapillary atrophic zone of optic discs with and without glaucomatous atrophy. Klin Monatsl Augenheilkd 2003; 220: 545–550

Keywords: optic disc • retina: distal (photoreceptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells) • imaging/image analysis: clinical