الفهرس 
Risk FactorsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 93 |  |  |
| | | from | 93 | | |
Abstract
Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by irreversible loss of neural tissue over time, so the key in dealing with this disease is early detection of its presence or progression, with the rapid initiation of appropriate treatment.
This early detection especially in high risk group such as ocular hyper tension, family history, black race and high myopia is very important.
Many methods have been developed in the past years, aiming for earlier detection of glaucoma and more accurate follow up.
The functional assessment of glaucoma damage is determined by visual field (VF) testing. Glaucomatous VF abnormality is detectable only after significant RNFL loss has already occurred, In addition VF testing is prone to short and long term fluctuations and thus multiple testing is required to confirm any abnormalities.
Assessment of the optic nerve head (ONH) and the peripapillary RNFL can provide earlier indications of glaucomatous damage.
The Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging device that obtains cross-sectional images of ocular microstructures. Low-coherence interferometry is used to measure the time delay of backscattered light from different layers of the retina. This involves the analysis of two light beams created when the incident wave is directed onto a partially reflecting mirror. One beam is used for reference, the other for measurement.
Advancement in OCT technology has provided an objective and quantitative method to evaluate RNFL and optic nerve head which is clearly advantageous in the effective management of patients, both in terms of diagnosis and monitoring of response to therapy.