Novel use of 3T MRI in assessment of optic nerve volume in glaucoma

Purpose To measure optic nerve (ON) volume using 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to correlate ON volume with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and to determine the viability of MRI as an objective tool in distinguishing glaucoma severity. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 30 severe glaucoma patients, 30 mild glaucoma patients and 30 age-matched controls were recruited. All subjects underwent standard automated perimetry, RNFL analysis and 3 T MRI examinations. Glaucoma patients were classified according to the Hodapp–Anderson–Parish classification. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to correlate ON volume with RNFL, and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of ON volume in detecting glaucoma severity. Results Optic nerve volume was significantly lower in both the left and right eyes of the severe glaucoma group (168.70 ± 46.28 mm 3 ; 167.40 ± 45.36 mm 3 ) than in the mild glaucoma group (264.03 ± 78.53 mm 3 ; 264.76 ± 78.88 mm 3 ) and the control group (297.80 ± 71.45 mm 3 ; 296.56 ± 71.02 mm 3 ). Moderate correlation was observed between: RNFL thickness and ON volume ( r = 0.51, p