Estimation of the cross-sectional surface area of the waist of the nerve fiber layer at the optic nerve head

• Glaucoma is a global disease that leads to blindness due to pathological loss of retinal ganglion cell axons in the optic nerve head (ONH). The presented project aims at improving a computational algorithm for estimating the thickness and surface area of the waist of the nerve fiber layer in the ONH. Our currently developed deep learning AI algorithm meets the need for a morphometric parameter that detects glaucomatous change earlier than current clinical follow-up methods. In 3D OCT image volumes, two different AI algorithms identify the Optic nerve head Pigment epithelium Central Limit (OPCL) and the Inner limit of the Retina Closest Point (IRCP) in a 3D grid. Our computational algorithm includes the undulating surface area of the waist of the ONH, as well as waist thickness. In 16 eyes of 16 non-glaucomatous subjects aged [20;30] years, the mean difference in minimal thickness of the waist of the nerve fiber layer between our previous and the current post-processing strategies was estimated as CIμ(0.95) 0 ±1 μm (D.f. 15). The mean surface area of the waist of the nerve fiber layer in the optic nerve head was 1.97 ± 0.19 mm2. Our computational algorithm results in slightly higher values for surface areas compared to published work, but as expected, this may be due to surface undulations of the waist being considered. Estimates of the thickness of the waist of the ONH yields estimates of the same order as our previous computational algorithm.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oftalmologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Ophthalmology (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Data- och informationsvetenskap -- Datorseende och robotik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Computer and Information Sciences -- Computer Vision and Robotics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

OCT

optic nerve head

nerve fiber layer

waist

cross-sectional area

surface area

minimal thickness

deep learning

AI

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)