Visual Field Cluster Map Corresponding to Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Sectors in Glaucoma

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To generate a map relating visual field (VF) test points to corresponding areas of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with localized RNFL defects. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with preperimetric glaucoma and 173 patients with perimetric glaucoma, all with localized RNFL defects, underwent standard automated perimetry (SAP) and OCT measurements. To define zones of related point, factor analysis of the mean thresholds for the SAP test points was performed, independently for each hemifield. A map relating the VF zones to the 12 OCT sectors was plotted based on the strongest correlations between both techniques. RESULTS: Factor analysis divided the VF points into five VF zones for each hemifield. Distribution of the VF zones for the superior and inferior hemifields was slightly asymmetric. Linear regression results showed that superior VF zones corresponding to the superior arcuate and nasal step regions were best correlated with 6- and 7-o'clock RNFL sectors (inferior and inferior temporal) of thickness (r = 0.51-0.59). RNFL thinning (defined by abnormal sector at p < 5%) and regional decreases in SAP sensitivity (defined by abnormal pattern deviation at p < 5%) were topographically related. CONCLUSIONS: A newly developed VF cluster map revealed significant topographical structure-function relationships, especially in the arcuate and nasal step region of the VF.