Role of Optical Coherence Tomography in Early Detection and Progression Analysis of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) represents a predominant etiological factor contributing to irreversible visual impairment on a global scale, frequently progressing insidiously without overt clinical manifestations until significant visual acuity deterioration has transpired. Consequently, the imperative of early detection and continuous surveillance is paramount for decelerating disease advancement and preserving visual integrity. Optical Coherence Tomography, a non-invasive imaging modality, has emerged as a pivotal instrument for assessing structural alterations in the retina, notably the thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and modifications within the ganglion cell complex (GCC). This prospective observational investigation was meticulously designed to evaluate the efficacy of OCT in the preliminary identification and longitudinal observation of POAG. A cohort of individuals diagnosed with or suspected of possessing POAG was monitored over a defined duration, receiving systematic OCT imaging in conjunction with visual field assessments to delineate disease evolution. Principal parameters scrutinized encompassed RNFL thickness, macular metrics, and vascular density. The findings elucidate that OCT possesses the capacity to detect structural modifications prior to the manifestation of functional impairments on visual field evaluations, thereby accentuating its significance in the early diagnostic process. Moreover, longitudinal OCT assessments demonstrated a robust correlation with established markers of disease progression over time. In summary, OCT functions as a dependable and sensitive instrument for both the early identification and ongoing monitoring of POAG advancement, advocating for its incorporation into standard clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes.