An investigation of the correlation between functional and structural changes in tilted and non‐tilted high myopic eyes

Abstract

PurposeTilted optic disc, a common finding in high myopic eyes, may affect visual field. Since the retinal defects often precede the visual field defects so evaluation of retinal layers thicknesses provide detailed information about the retina that may help us in earlier detection of pathologic changes in high myopic eyes. The aim of current study is the investigation of the correlation between functional and structural changes in tilted and non‐tilted high myopic eyes.MethodsFifty eight high myopic individuals were underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and divided into two groups according to the presence of the tilted optic disc. Correlation between visual field and retinal layers thicknesses in 20 patients (mean age of 28.95±7.22 years) with tilted optic disc were compared with 38 patients (mean age of 27.87 ± 6.08 years) without tilted disc using 30‐2 SITA standard program with Humphrey Field Analyzer – HFA II‐i and optical coherence tomography, respectively. Correlation of functional and structural findings was evaluated in 10 central degrees in four matched quadrants.ResultsAlthough there was a relative correlation between structural and functional tests in all quadrants but the most significant correlation was related to the nasal threshold sensitivity and temporal total average thickness in tilted group. (r = −0.55) The results showed that with decreasing the visual field sensitivity, the ganglion cell layer thickness decreased but retinal nerve fibres layer thickness increased in some quadrants.ConclusionsThe results showed relative correlation between structural and functional tests but the structural findings presented the defects earlier than functional findings. Therefore, the structural investigation in tilted myopic eyes suspected to visual field defect is recommended.