Investigation of retinal layers thicknesses in autism spectrum disorder and comparison with healthy siblings and control group

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the segmented peripapillary retina nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and all neurosensorial retinal layer thicknesses of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare these parameters with healthy siblings and control by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods41 children with ASD, 38 healthy siblings and 43 healthy control were included. Peripapillary RNFL thickness, total macula, inner retinal layers [including macular RNFL, ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL)] and outer retinal layers [including outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL)] thickness of all participants were measured by SD-OCT. First, the average inner and outer retina layer values were compared between the three groups. Secondly, subsegmental analysis was performed on the layers whose average value was statistically significant. Segmental analysis of all retinal layer thicknesses was evaluated in 9 distinct macular areas defined based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Group (ETDS). ResultsAll inner retinal layers thicknesses in children with ASD were found thicker than healthy siblings and control groups. Consistent with these results, the average total macular thickness was statistically significantly thicker in ASD than in healthy siblings and control groups. ConclusionAll inner retinal layers were thicker in ASD. Since the retina originates from the same place as the central nervous system, this might reflect the brain abnormalities seen in individuals with ASD.