الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
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. Many methods have been developed in the past years, aiming for earlier detection of glaucoma and more accurate follow up. This essay discusses the most important recent diagnostic methods. Example of these methods is the Optic Nerve Head (ONH) assessment as by the Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), which improves the ability to obtain good quality images with no need for pupil dilatation and clear media. It offers a lot of useful disc and cup parameters. We discussed also those methods used in assessment of the RNFL, as the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which allows a living histology to the retinal layers up to 10 microns of resolution, and the Scanning Laser Polarimetry (SLP) which allows real-time measuring of the RNFL thickness. In addition to a device that allows having a retinal mapping what is called Retinal Thickness Analyzer (RTA). Concerning the visual field testing, we discussed the new techniques in perimetry as the SWAP (Short Wave Automated Perimetry), the Frequency Doubling Technology (FDT), the Tendency Oriented Perimetry (TOP), the Motion Detection Perimetry (MAP), the High Pass Resolution Perimetry, the Acuity Perimetry (AP), and the Pattern Discrimination Perimetry (PDP). These methods offered earlier detection of glaucomatous damage than the classic achromatic perimetry. The electrophysiological tests showed a big revolution, so we discussed some of the recent tests as mfVEP (multifocal Visually evoked potential), which is sensitive to early glaucomatous effects. In addition this essay gave some focus on clinical (ophthalmoscopically) assessment of the optic nerve head and photographic techniques (stereoscopic, serial and digital imaging). |