The Relationship between Visual Field Global Indices and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Healthy Myopes

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and central visual field indices in otherwise healthy myopes. In total, 57 otherwise healthy subjects were cross-sectionally studied. General ophthalmic examinations, refractive measurements, RNFL thickness by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), and central visual fields were examined. Linear models were used to assess the associations. In this young and mid-aged population, the mean spherical equivalent was −4.79 (SD 1.66) and −4.59 (SD 1.88) diopters in the right and left eyes, respectively. Approximately 7% to 14% of the eyes showed the average RNFL thickness out of the normal range. The temporal RNFL was remarkably thicker, whereas the nasal RNFL was thinner. The higher the refractive error, the thinner the RNFL thickness. A thicker overall RNFL was significantly associated with decreased mean sensitivity and increased mean defect, and further adjustments for age, sex, refractive error, optic disk area, or ocular magnification did not change the association. Although nonpathologic myopia does not significantly affect central visual field global indices, its effects on the RNFL may be linked with performance on the central visual field test.