Importance of Early Detection and Monitoring

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 24 views

Relationship of Field Disorders of View with Retinal Thickness and Optic Disc in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

Introduction

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that is the main cause of the second blindness in the world after cataracts. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a type of glaucoma that is not accompanied by systemic or ocular abnormalities that cause an increase in resistance to the flow of aqueous humor or optic nerve damage. POAG is a progressive disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Understanding the relationship between field disorders of view, retinal thickness, and optic disc in patients with POAG is crucial for early detection and monitoring of the disease.

Background

Glaucoma is a complex disease that affects the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and blindness. POAG is the most common type of glaucoma, accounting for approximately 90% of all glaucoma cases. The disease is characterized by a slow increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. POAG is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection and monitoring crucial for preventing vision loss.

Methodology

This study was conducted to understand the relationship between field disorders of view with the thickness of the retina and optic disc in patients with POAG in the Regional Hospital. H. Adam Malik Medan. The study used an analytical cross-sectional design, with data collection done once. A total of 31 subjects (62 eyes) were included in this study. The optic disc and RNFL (Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer) examination was carried out using OCT / Optical Coherence Tomography (Stratus Oct, Carl Zeiss), followed by a field examination using perimetry.

Results

The results showed that in patients with optical neuropathy associated with changes in the structure of optical discs and depletion of retina that preceded the development of field loss. Field examination shows a significant relationship between changes in the optical disc area of the discs with fields of view (p = 0.007). In addition, the results show a significant relationship between fields of view of view and RNFL thinning in the superior quadrant (p = 0.002), inferior (p = 0.021), and nasal (p = 0.027). The optical disc examination with RNFL shows that the optic disc change in the disc area and the Horizontal Ratio Disc Cup is accompanied by a significant RNFL thinning in the nasal quadrant (p = 0.026).

Discussion

The results of this study underline the importance of early detection and routine monitoring in patients with POAG. Changes in the structure of the optical disc and retinal thinning can occur before the symptoms of field loss appear. Early detection allows timely treatment interventions to prevent more severe optic nerve damage and maintain vision function. The study also highlights the importance of health professionals understanding complex relationships between changes in the optical disc structure, depletion of retina, and field disorders in POAG.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study is that optical neuropathy associated with changes in the optical disc structure and depletion of the retina preceded the development of field loss in POAG. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection and monitoring in patients with POAG, as well as the importance of health professionals understanding complex relationships between changes in the optical disc structure, depletion of retina, and field disorders in POAG.

Importance of Early Detection and Monitoring

The Importance of Health Professional Role

This study shows that the optical disc and RNFL examination, as well as the field of view, is very important in diagnosing and monitoring the development of POAG. It is essential for health professionals to understand complex relationships between changes in the optical disc structure, depletion of retina, and field disorders in POAG. By increasing knowledge and understanding of POAG, health professionals can provide optimal care for patients and help them maintain vision function.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Health professionals should conduct regular examinations of the optic disc and RNFL in patients with POAG to detect changes in the structure of the optical disc and retinal thinning.
Patients with POAG should undergo regular field examinations to detect changes in the field of view.
Health professionals should educate patients with POAG about the importance of early detection and monitoring, as well as the importance of adhering to treatment plans.
Further studies should be conducted to investigate the relationship between field disorders of view, retinal thickness, and optic disc in patients with POAG.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
The study had a small sample size, which may limit the statistical power of the results.
The study did not investigate the relationship between field disorders of view, retinal thickness, and optic disc in patients with POAG who were undergoing treatment.

Future Directions

Future studies should investigate the relationship between field disorders of view, retinal thickness, and optic disc in patients with POAG who are undergoing treatment. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of early detection and monitoring in preventing vision loss in patients with POAG.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Relationship of Field Disorders of View with Retinal Thickness and Optic Disc in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

Q: What is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)?

A: POAG is a type of glaucoma that is not accompanied by systemic or ocular abnormalities that cause an increase in resistance to the flow of aqueous humor or optic nerve damage. It is a progressive disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.

Q: What is the relationship between field disorders of view and retinal thickness in patients with POAG?

A: The results of this study show that changes in the structure of the optical disc and retinal thinning can occur before the symptoms of field loss appear. Field examination shows a significant relationship between changes in the optical disc area of the discs with fields of view.

Q: What is the importance of early detection and monitoring in patients with POAG?

A: Early detection and monitoring are crucial in patients with POAG as changes in the structure of the optical disc and retinal thinning can occur before the symptoms of field loss appear. Early detection allows timely treatment interventions to prevent more severe optic nerve damage and maintain vision function.

Q: What is the role of health professionals in diagnosing and monitoring the development of POAG?

A: Health professionals play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring the development of POAG. They should conduct regular examinations of the optic disc and RNFL in patients with POAG to detect changes in the structure of the optical disc and retinal thinning.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
The study had a small sample size, which may limit the statistical power of the results.
The study did not investigate the relationship between field disorders of view, retinal thickness, and optic disc in patients with POAG who were undergoing treatment.

Q: What are the future directions for research on POAG?

A: Future studies should investigate the relationship between field disorders of view, retinal thickness, and optic disc in patients with POAG who are undergoing treatment. Additionally, studies should investigate the effectiveness of early detection and monitoring in preventing vision loss in patients with POAG.

Q: What can patients with POAG do to maintain their vision function?

A: Patients with POAG should adhere to their treatment plans and undergo regular examinations with their healthcare providers. They should also educate themselves about the importance of early detection and monitoring in preventing vision loss.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not treating POAG?

A: If left untreated, POAG can lead to vision loss and blindness. It is essential for patients with POAG to adhere to their treatment plans and undergo regular examinations with their healthcare providers to prevent more severe optic nerve damage and maintain vision function.

Q: How can healthcare providers educate patients about POAG?

A: Healthcare providers can educate patients about POAG by explaining the importance of early detection and monitoring, as well as the importance of adhering to treatment plans. They can also provide patients with information about the potential consequences of not treating POAG and the benefits of early detection and monitoring.

Q: What are the potential benefits of early detection and monitoring in patients with POAG?

A: Early detection and monitoring can prevent more severe optic nerve damage and maintain vision function in patients with POAG. It can also reduce the risk of vision loss and blindness.

Q: How can patients with POAG stay informed about their condition?

A: Patients with POAG can stay informed about their condition by attending regular appointments with their healthcare providers, asking questions, and seeking additional information from reputable sources. They can also join support groups or online communities to connect with others who are living with POAG.