The Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness in Adult Offspring of Primary Open-angle Glaucoma Patients.

PRECIS

In the adult offspring of glaucoma patients, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness, especially in the inferior quadrant, were significantly decreased. This finding in the adult offspring of glaucoma patients may be important in evaluating the course of glaucoma disease.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate RNFL and GCC thickness in adult offspring of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and to compare the results with individuals without a family history for glaucoma disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional observational study. Forty eyes of 40 individuals with self-reported family history for proven POAG and 40 eyes of 40 healthy individuals without a family history for glaucoma disease were included in the study. RNFL and macular GCC thickness were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, and the results were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

In adult offspring of patients with POAG, RNFL and GCC thickness were thinner in all quadrants. Average RNFL and GCC decreased significantly in adult offspring of patients with POAG (P=0.039 and 0.015, respectively). Thinning in RNFL and GCC thickness was especially significant in the inferior quadrant (P=0.024 and 0.039, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of mean deviation and pattern standard deviation values (P=0.064 and 0.091, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In adult offspring of POAG patients, especially in the inferior quadrant, the RNFL and GCC thickness are significantly lower than in subjects without a family history. Prospective, controlled clinical trials with longer follow-up are needed to better understand whether these changes are an early indicator of glaucoma, and the progression of glaucoma disease.