Structure-function analysis for macular surgery in patients with coexisting glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To develop methods to assess the effects of epiretinal membranes (ERM) and macular holes (MH) coexisting with glaucoma on pre-operative retinal structure and function and evaluate post-operative outcomes. METHODS: Seven eyes of 7 patients with glaucoma, 6 with ERMs and 1 with MH, were enrolled; 4 underwent vitrectomy for ERM and one for MH. Visual fields (VFs) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were obtained pre- and post-operatively. The 10-2VF deviation map was overlayed on ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) deviation maps derived from OCT macula and disc cube scans. Optic nerve circle scans were obtained to assess RNFL thickness, and OCT b-scans associated with VF defects were compared pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: Examination of pre-operative VFs and OCT scans showed the importance of determining the extent to which glaucomatous damage contributed to VF loss; verifying automated segmentation of the GCL + IPL and RNFL; and assessing foveal anatomy. Evaluation of post-operative structure-function outcomes required correction of magnification changes in OCT scans and repeated follow-up visits to clarify the origin of VF changes. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative comparisons of VFs and OCT scans may be beneficial in guiding surgical planning, and evaluating outcomes, in eyes with glaucoma undergoing macular surgery.