GDx Nerve Fiber Analysis
Examining the nerve fiber layer can detect signs of the disease earlier than the most common tests...
Nerve Fiber Analysis (NFA) with the GDx Access analyzer is a test which allows for early detection and management of glaucoma as well as neurological disorders that affect the optic nerve. It measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer of your eye and provides information to evaluate if there is any damage to the nerve due to glaucoma or other conditions often before you experience any loss of central or peripheral vision.
Examining the nerve fiber layer - the tissue layer recognized to be the first site of glaucoma damage - can detect signs of the disease earlier than the most common tests thus enabling early treatment. Retinal nerve fiber loss can sometimes be detected more than six years before visual field defects occur.
The benefits of this examination include:
- Early detection of glaucoma not possible with other testing
- Monitoring progress and changes of glaucoma in already diagnosed glaucoma patients
- Enhanced management of glaucoma when combined with other glaucoma testing including intraocular pressure and visual field testing
- Evaluation of neurological disorders affecting the optic nerve
The NFA examination is performed in usually less than 5 minutes. An image is acquired with a safe scanning laser in less than one second without touching the eye. It collects information from over 11000 points to show the fundus image of the optic nerve. No pupil dilation is necessary so you are able to drive to and from the appointment with no effect on your vision.
Glaucoma can affect people of all ages and races. Those at greatest risk include:
- People over the age of 40
- People with elevated intraocular pressure
- People with a family history of glaucoma
- Diabetics
- Long-term steroid users
- African-Americans (especially if over 35 years old
- People who are very near-sighted
Your eye doctor will advise you if you need to have the examination. After your testing your eye doctor will analyze the results of the test and inform you of any necessary information or changes to your treatment.
