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OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a topographic correlation exists between β-zone parapapillary atrophy (PPA) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect. The location and extent of the β-zone were examined. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-eight eyes from 128 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and a single localized RNFL defect were included. METHODS: Digital optic disc photographs of the enrolled eyes were reviewed and eyes with β-zone PPA were identified. The topographic parameters of β-zone PPA and RNFL defect were measured on optic disc photographs and digital red-free RNFL photographs. The association between these parameters was examined statistically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Angular location and angular extent of β-zone PPA and RNFL defect, angular location of point of maximum radial extent (PMRE) of β-zone PPA, and β-zone PPA-to-disc area ratio. RESULTS: Eighty-two (64.1%) of the 128 eyes with a single localized RNFL defect had β-zone PPA. Patients with β-zone PPA were younger (by 6.6 years) than those without β-zone PPA (P = 0.001). β-Zone PPA was located most commonly inferotemporally (65.9%). The RNFL defect was located in the same hemifield as the β-zone PPA in 76% of eyes and was located in the same hemifield as PMRE in 88% of eyes. The angular location of the RNFL defect showed a linear correlation with those of β-zone PPA (r = 0.390; P<0.001) and PMRE (r = 0.558; P<0.001). The angular extent of RNFL defect was not correlated significantly with that of β-zone PPA (P = 0.106), but it was associated weakly with β-zone PPA-to-disc area ratio (r = 0.197; P = 0.026). The angular extent of the RNFL defect also was correlated with the cup-to-disc ratio (r = 0.322; P<0.001) and the cup-to-disc area ratio (r = 0.337; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In POAG, a localized RNFL defect is correlated spatially with β-zone PPA. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Full article2.12 Choroid, peripapillary choroid, peripapillary atrophy (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
2.13 Retina and retinal nerve fibre layer (Part of: 2 Anatomical structures in glaucoma)
6.8.2 Posterior segment (Part of: 6 Clinical examination methods > 6.8 Photography)