The nerve fiber layer consists of millions of individual fibers called "axons" that surround the optic nerve and spread out over your retina. In many patients with glaucoma, considerable nerve fiber layer damage may have already occurred by the time any vision loss is noticed. Glaucoma is known as the "sneak thief of sight," because many patients are not aware they have a problem until significant vision has been lost.
The GDx uses a type of scanning laser polarimeter to measure the thickness of the nerve fiber layer. The procedure is painless and is usually performed on an undilated pupil. The thickness of the nerve fiber layer is then compared with the nerve fiber layer of normal eyes. The GDx maps the nerve fibers and compares them to a database of healthy, glaucoma-free patients. A thinning of the fibers indicates glaucoma. This information is then made available to your doctor in the form of pictures, graphs and statistical data that indicate the probability of glaucoma.
The GDx test is particularly powerful in early detection as studies show that more than 50% of individuals with glaucoma aren't aware they have it. It is also very useful for managing glaucoma over the years, because it detects very small changes when compared with previous GDx data. This information is helpful to your doctor so that he or she can decide if you truly have glaucoma or should only be considered a "glaucoma suspect." While nerve fiber analysis as a standalone test does not make for a definitive diagnosis of glaucoma, it does provide your doctor with data that will add to your overall case so that better decisions may be made regarding your treatment.
Source:
Devine, Norma. "Chat HighlightsGDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer." Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness, 23 Aug 2000.
