Evaluation of Changes in Peripapillary Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness in Glaucoma Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography after Lowering the Intraoccular Pressure

Purpose: To assess, using optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes in the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer in glaucoma patients after surgical lowering of the intraocular pressure.Patients and Methods: 10 eyes of 8 glaucoma patients were included in this study planned subscleral trabeculectomy was done in all cases. OCT measurement of the peripapillary nerve fibre layer thickness was carried out before and after IOP reduction by the surgery.Results: 8 eyes out of the 10 had an intraocular pressure reduction of more than 30% (from a mean 30mmHg ± 2.8SD to a mean 18 mmHg ±3.0 SD). OCT scans were performed 2-3 weeks before surgical intervention and 3-4 months postoperative to measure the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer.Conclusion: The study showed significant increase in mean peripapillary nerve fibre layer thickness.