In glaucoma assessment, changes in the cup-to-disc ratio can be monitored using what technology?

Monitoring changes in the cup-to-disc ratio, which is crucial for assessing glaucoma progression, is most effectively performed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT is a non-invasive imaging technology that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the optic nerve head and the surrounding retinal structures. This detailed imaging allows for precise measurements of the optic nerve head and its components, including the cup and disc.

OCT can quantify the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer and allow for the visualization of structural changes over time, leading to a more accurate assessment of the cup-to-disc ratio. This capability is essential in glaucoma management, as changes in this ratio can indicate the progression of the disease and help in determining the appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Other methods, such as ultrasound biometry, retinal photography, and visual field tests, can contribute valuable information in the overall assessment of glaucoma, but they do not provide the same level of detail regarding the structural changes in the optic nerve head that OCT does. Retinal photography captures images of the retina but does not provide the quantitative data necessary for monitoring the cup-to-disc ratio changes effectively. In contrast, visual field tests assess functional vision loss due to glaucoma rather than structural changes, and ultrasound biometry is primarily focused on measuring ocular dimensions rather than assessing