Morpho-Functional Follow-Up of the Optic Nerve in Treated Ocular Hypertension: Disc Morphometry and Steady-State Pattern Electroretinogram

Abstract

Purpose: To examine longitudinally optic disc structure and inner retinal function in treated ocular hypertension (OHT). Materials and Methods: A morphometric (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, HRT) and functional (steady-state pattern electroretinogram, PERG) evaluation of 27 OHT patients treated with topical beta-blockers and/or prostaglandin analogues and prospectively followed over a 24 ± 6 month period. Results: Compared with baseline, mean final PERG amplitude tended to increase (p < 0.01), while HRT was stable. Individual PERG amplitude increase was large (≥ 100%) in some patients (5/27), and unexplained by clinical parameters at baseline. Conclusions: In treated OHT, functional responses may improve while disc structure remains stable. The findings suggest that OHT-associated inner retinal dysfunction is at least in part reversible with therapeutic intraocular pressure control.

KEYWORDS:

• confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
• ocular hypertension
• optic disc
• pattern electroretinogram
• retinal ganglion cells