Objective:
To establish normative ranges for interocular differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to aid in glaucoma diagnosis.
Key Findings:
- Mean peripapillary RNFL thickness was 88.1 µm (right eye) and 87.7 µm (left eye), with a non-significant interocular difference of 0.4 µm.
- The 2.5th and 97.5th percentile values for interocular RNFL difference ranged from -12.7 µm to 12.7 µm.
- The 95% central range for interocular CDR difference was from -0.19 to 0.21 units.
- Significant predictors of RNFL asymmetry included differences in rim area and signal strength.
Interpretation:
The established normative ranges for RNFL and CDR differences may help clinicians distinguish between physiological variations and pathological asymmetries, particularly in diagnosing early or asymmetric glaucoma.
Limitations:
- The study's findings should not be used in isolation but as part of a comprehensive assessment of optic nerve health.
- Previous normative datasets were limited by small sample sizes or manufacturer-specific data.
Conclusion:
Defining normative ranges for interocular RNFL and CDR differences can reduce overdiagnosis and misclassification in glaucoma assessments, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of OCT data.
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.