Correlation between topographic profiles of localized retinal nerve fiber layer defects as determined by optical coherence tomography and red-free fundus photography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the topographic relationship of localized retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defects as determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and by red-free fundus photography.

METHODS

Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients with localized, wedge-shaped RNFL defects identified in red-free fundus photographs and with matching visual field defects were scanned with the Stratus OCT. On the resulting RNFL thickness report printout, segments of the line graph outside of the 95 and 99% normal limits were defined as "5% OCT defect" and "1% OCT defect," respectively. Correlations between the angular location and angular width of RNFL defects as determined by OCT (OCT defects) and by red-free fundus photography (red-free defects) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Angular locations and widths of both 5 and 1% OCT defects were significantly correlated with corresponding red-free defects (all P values<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong topographic correlation between characteristics of localized RNFL defects as determined by OCT and red-free photography.