Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Nov 16, 2024 2 hours, 15 minutes ago
Medical News: Glaucoma, particularly Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG), is a progressive eye condition leading to the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), vital for vision. A groundbreaking study from researchers at IRCCS Fondazione Bietti in Rome, Sapienza University, and Università di Roma Tor Vergata in Italy, delved into the impact of glaucoma on the inner layers of the macula, focusing on specific regions within 20 degrees of the central vision area. This
Medical News report explores their findings and what they mean for early detection and treatment.
New Insights into Glaucoma's Impact on Eye's Inner Macular Layers
Glaucoma is a sneaky disease that often advances before symptoms appear, making early diagnosis crucial. This study emphasizes the necessity of understanding the disease’s localized effects on the retina and the relationship between structural damage and functional impairment.
How Was the Study Conducted
The research enrolled 21 patients with OAG and 20 healthy individuals of similar age as controls. Using advanced imaging technology like Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and multifocal photopic negative response (mfPhNR) testing, the team measured the thickness of the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and analyzed retinal function.
The study applied a systematic approach, dividing the macula into concentric rings and sectors to pinpoint areas most affected by the disease. By correlating these findings with visual field tests, the researchers highlighted the significance of these regions in glaucoma progression.
Key Findings on Retinal Damage
The study revealed several important insights into how glaucoma damages the inner macular layers:
-Localized Damage in the Central Area:
OAG patients exhibited significant reductions in both GCL thickness and mfPhNR response amplitude density (RAD), particularly in the central macular area. This highlights that the innermost regions of the retina are most vulnerable to glaucomatous damage.
-Gradual Decline Toward the Periphery:
Moving outward from the central macula, there was a noticeable decrease in damage, with the outer rings less affected. This gradient of impairment underscores the importance of focusing on the central macular regions for early detection.
-Correlations Between Structure and Function:
A strong correlation was observed between GCL thickness and mfPhNR responses in all examined areas. The reduction in functional responses mirrored the structural thinning of the retinal layers, reinforcing the link between anatomical and functional damage in glaucoma.
Implications for Glaucoma Diagnosis
These findings pave the way for improved diagnostic techniques by focusing on specific macular regions where damage is most pronounced. The integration of mfPhNR and SD-OCT in routine screenings could enhance the ability
to detect glaucoma earlier, potentially preserving vision for longer periods.
The study also sheds light on the potential of targeted therapies aimed at preserving the functionality of the inner macular layers, particularly in the central region, where damage is most severe.
Conclusion
This research significantly advances our understanding of how glaucoma affects the eye's inner macular layers. By highlighting the disease's localized impact, particularly in the central retina, it underscores the importance of early detection and targeted treatment strategies.
The findings also open doors for more refined diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions, aiming to protect vision in glaucoma patients. For individuals at risk, regular eye examinations and advanced retinal imaging could be lifesaving in preserving sight.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/22/6882
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