Quadrant Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Research Articles

Visual Field Defects and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Migraine Patients: A Study From a Tertiary Care Center in India.

Background This study aimed to analyze the visual field changes and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness during the headache phase of migraine attacks among migraine patients compared with controls. Methodology A prospective, case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Palakkad, Kerala from January 2022 to August 2023. This study included 50 migraine patients and 50 age/gender-matched controls. Adults aged 20-40 years with a more than three-year history of migraine were included in this study and those who had systemic or ocular pathologies were excluded. All 100 subjects underwent complete ocular examination, including full threshold 24-2 automated perimetry for visual field analysis and optical coherence tomography for analyzing RNFL thickness. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics Version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results In this study, the average age for cases was 29.24 ± 5.10 years, and for controls was 30.12 ± 6.20 years. Gender distribution was identical between cases and controls with 29 (58%) females and 21 (42%) males. Among the 50 migraine patients, 22 (44%) had generalized, while 28 (56%) had localized field defects during the headache phase of migraine attacks. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference in superior quadrant RNFL thickness between cases (114.08 ± 12.25) and controls. Conclusions We found that RNFL thinning in the superior quadrant and non-specific localized visual field changes occur during migraine attacks. We conducted this study in a tertiary care center as very few studies in our country have revealed visual field changes during migraine headache attacks.

Effect of brimonidine on vascular density and imagej-derived flow index of optic nerve head and macula in primary open angle glaucoma.

To study the effect of brimonidine on vascular density and flow index of optic nerve head (ONH) and macula in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Twenty-three brimonidine-naïve POAG patients were started on brimonidine. They underwent OCTA ONH and macula before commencing brimonidine and one month thereafter. Systemic arterial blood pressure (SABP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured at each visit to calculate mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP). The OCT angiograms were analyzed using ImageJ software to calculate ONH and macular flow indices. Thirty-seven eyes (23 patients) with a mean age of 56.7 ± 12.49years were included of whom 60.8% were males. Brimonidine was associated with an increase in the superficial flow index (SFI) (P-value = 0.02) and optic nerve head flow index (ONHFI) (P-value = 0.01). Also, superficial vascular density (SVD) for whole image, superior-hemi and fovea increased (P-value = 0.03, 0.02, 0.03 respectively). ONH inferior-hemi vascular density decreased (P-value = 0.01) despite an increase in inferior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) (P-value = 0.03). There was no statistically significant correlation between flow indices and MOPP at baseline and follow-up. A moderate negative correlation was found between SVD and DVD at the fovea and MOPP at baseline and follow-up (P-value = 0.03, 0.05) (P-value = 0.02, 0.01) respectively. Brimonidine was associated with an increase in SFI, ONHFI and SVD indicating improved GCC and RNFL perfusion in POAG. Despite the increase in inferior quadrant RNFLT, the concomitant decrease in inferior-hemi ONHVD precluded a conclusion of hemodynamically-mediated improvement of RNFLT.

Evaluation of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with multiple sclerosis and glaucoma.

Glaucoma and multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause optic disc pathology and, in this way, affect optical coherence tomography (OCT) data. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate the changes in the mean, quadrant, and sector data measured by OCT in glaucoma and MS patients. The sample of this prospective cohort study consisted of 42 MS patients (84 eyes), 34 Primary open-angle glaucomas patients (67 eyes), and 24 healthy control subjects (48 eyes). The MS group was divided into two groups according to the presence of a history of optic neuritis. Accordingly, those with a history of optic neuritis were included in the MS ON group, and those without a history of optic neuritis were included in the MS NON group. The differences between these groups in the mean, quadrant, and sector data related to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were evaluated. Superior nasal (SN), superior temporal (ST), inferior nasal (IN), and superior quadrant (SUP) values were significantly lower in the glaucoma group than in the MS group (p < 0.05). The mean superior GCC (GCC SUP) value was significantly lower in the MS ON group than in the glaucoma group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, SN, ST, inferior temporal (IT), IN, average RNFL (AVE RNFL), semi-average superior RNFL (SUP AVE RNFL), semi-average inferior RNFL (INF AVE RNFL), SUP, and inferior quadrant RNFL (INF) values were significantly lower in the glaucoma group than in the MS NON group (p < 0.05). RNFL and GCC parameters get thinner in MS and glaucoma patients. While the inferior and superior RNFL quadrants are more frequently affected in glaucoma patients, the affected quadrants vary according to the presence of a history of optic neuritis in MS patients. It is noteworthy that the GCC superior quadrant was thin in MS ON patients. The findings of this study indicate that OCT data may be valuable in the differential diagnosis of glaucoma and MS.

Ocular toxicity of daily anti-tubercular treatment regimen: A prospective observational study

Context: India carries a significant burden of TB which is the commonest cause of infectious disease-related mortality. Anti-tubercular drugs can cause serious ocular toxic effects. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used as a valuable tool in the quantitative analysis of anti-tubercular treatment (ATT)-induced toxic optic neuropathy. Aims: To study the changes in visual parameters in patients on ATT and to analyze the OCT changes in patients by taking measurements once before initiation of treatment and once during ongoing treatment (between three and six months). Settings and Design: Tertiary care center, Prospective observational study. Methods and Material: A prospective observational study was conducted in 140 eyes of 70 subjects undergoing ATT as per the latest RNTCP guidelines where the following determinants were examined, and the corresponding values were taken once before initiation of treatment and once during ongoing treatment (between three and six months) and results were analyzed. Around 90% of the subjects were examined at the end fourth month. Visual acuity was taken using the Log Mar chart, color vision using Ishihara’s chart, and slit lamp examination and fundus evaluation using a 90 D lens. OCT was done and average nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements were taken. Perimetry was also done; however, findings were not included in this study. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency and percentage were applied to study the changes in visual parameters in patients on ATT. A paired t-test was applied for numerical variables to analyze the OCT changes in patients undergoing ATT. A P value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Despite a near-normal appearance of the fundus on ophthalmoscopy, OCT clearly demonstrated and quantified the loss of retinal nerve fibers. Statistically significant RNFL thinning (P value &lt; 0.001) was noted in the superior, temporal, and inferior quadrants and least in the nasal quadrant (P = 0.005). Significant deterioration in visual acuity was observed following three months of ATT (P = 0.001). Red-green color vision abnormalities were detected in 14 out of 140 eyes (10%). Conclusions: RNFL thickness was reduced on OCT. RNFL thickness quantification and assessment of other visual parameters especially color vision help in the early diagnosis of ocular toxic effects of ATT. Hence, awareness and active screening are imperative in preventing visual impairment and blindness.

The effect of systemic sclerosis and its subtypes on ocular anterior and posterior segment parameters.

To evaluate anterior and posterior segment parameters in the eyes of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and examine the effect of disease and disease subtypes on these parameters. This cross-sectional study included 54 eyes of 27 SSc patients and 54 eyes of 27 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. In addition to a complete ophthalmologic examination, all patients were examined using a Scheimpflug camera, specular microscopy, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The mean age of the patients was 52.5 ± 11.4years and 19 patients were female. Anterior chamber volume, central corneal thickness, and central macular thickness (CMT) were significantly lower in the eyes of SSc patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, and p = 0.006, respectively). When evaluated according to SSc subtype, CMT was lower in diffuse SSc patients (p = 0.001), while mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and inferior quadrant RNFL values were lower in limited SSc (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively). In the eyes of patients with SSc, some ocular parameters may show decreases compared to healthy individuals, presumably secondary to disease-related vasculopathy and fibrosis. CMT and RNFL parameters may be affected differently according to disease subtype.

Effects of sodium valproate and levetiracetam on posterior segment parameters in children with epilepsy.

To evaluate changes in posterior segment parameters in pediatric patients with epilepsy using sodium valproate or levetiracetam monotherapy for at least 12months. This study included 45 children with generalized epilepsy aged 6-17years and 32 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects. The patients were assigned to three groups: Group 1 included patients using valproate monotherapy at a dose of 20-40mg/kg/day, group 2 included patients using levetiracetam monotherapy at a dose of 20-40mg/kg/day, and group 3 consisted of healthy controls. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) thicknesses were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). No significant differences were noted between the groups regarding age, gender distribution, visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and intraocular pressure (p > 0.05). The average and temporal, nasal, and superior quadrants RNFL values were significantly thinner in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.001, p = 0.023, p = 0.011, and p = 0.001, respectively) and group 3 (p < 0.001, p = 0.032, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). The OCT parameters were similar in groups 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). A negative correlation was observed in group 1 between only the average mGCIPL and the treatment dose (r = - 0.501). In group 2, no significant correlation was found between OCT parameters and the duration of epilepsy treatment, dose of treatment, and age at treatment onset values (p > 0.05). These findings support that there is an association between sodium valproate treatment and the reduction of RNFL thickness in epilepsy. Levetiracetam treatment appears to be a safe option, but care should be taken regarding ocular side effects that may occur with long-term and high-dose use of sodium valproate.

Choroidal, retinal, and optic nerve changes in rheumatoid arthritis and primary sjogren's syndrome patients: comparıson with each other and healthy subjects.

The present study aims to evaluate the optic nerve, macula, and choroidal changes in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) patients, and to compare these findings with age-matched healthy volunteers. This study included 46 RA patients, 33 primary SjS patients, and 37 age-matched healthy volunteers. All of the patients underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination, during which measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer(GCL), and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) were taken using OCT (optical coherence tomography). The measurements taken from the right eye of each patient were used to compare among the groups. RNFL thickness in superior quadrant was found to be statistically significantly thinner in the eyes with RA when compared to the control group (p = 0.022). In the nasal quadrant, the RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in patients with primary SjS compared to healthy individuals (p = 0.036). Also, the temporal quadrant RNFL was significantly thinner in RA patients than in the primary SjS patients (p = 0.033). GCL thickness was observed to be thinner in all quadrants of both RA and primary SjS groups compared to the control group. However, the difference was not found to be statistically significant. Subfoveal CT was observed to be thicker in RA and SjS groups compared to the control group, but this difference was also not statistically significant. Systemic autoimmune diseases like RA and primary SjS can lead to a decrease in RNLF and GCL thickness, which can impair visual acuity even in the absence of ocular symptoms. Therefore, monitoring changes in the optic nerve, retina, and choroid layer are crucial in these patients.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Schizophrenia and Its Relation with Cognitive Impairment.

Schizophrenia is a chronic severe mental illness with heterogeneous clinical presentation, course, and outcome. Cognitive impairment is one of its core features. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) imaging using OCT (optical coherence tomography) could provide easy access for in vivo imaging of the retina, rendering it as a "window to the brain." Studies done on schizophrenia have shown RNFL thinning. This study attempts to look into the association between cognitive impairment, disease duration, and RNFL abnormality in patients with schizophrenia using OCT. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia meeting DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria and who were confirmed to be in remission for at least six months clinically and scoring less than three on PANSS-8 (positive and negative symptom scale-8) remission scale were included. They were administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) for cognitive assessment. RNFL measures were taken using spectral domain-OCT. Variables were compared using Pearson's correlation test, one-way ANOVA test, and independent t-test as appropriate. A total of 36 patients were studied. MoCA scores and RNFL thickness showed a positive correlation. Patients with schizophrenia had reduced average RNFL thickness and reduced RNFL thickness in superior, inferior, and temporal quadrants. Average RNFL thickness, Superior and inferior quadrant RNFL thickness showed a positive correlation with MoCA scores. No correlation was obtained between macular volume, macular thickness, duration of illness, and MoCA scores. Patients with schizophrenia have reduced average RNFL thickness. Patients with low MoCA scores have RNFL thinning.

Normative optical coherence tomography reference ranges of the optic nerve head, nerve fiber layer, and macula in healthy Saudi children.

To use the Cirrus high-definition (HD)-OCT to establish normative data for the macula and optic disc in healthy Saudi children and to examine the effect of age and gender on these parameters. This retrospective study was carried out at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Saudi Arabia from November 2022 to April 2023. The study involved 135 full-term and healthy Saudi children aged 4-18 years who were evaluated at the KAUH ophthalmology clinic. Detailed demographic and ocular disease history data were obtained from the patients' medical records. The main outcome measures of the study included measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness, and optic nerve head (ONH). The mean macular volume was 9.9mm3, the mean macular thickness was 275.9 μm, and the mean central subfield thickness was 240.6 μm. There was no significant association between age and the macular values, except for the superior inner macula. Boys had significantly thicker central macula than girls, while the RNFL quadrants were not different between age groups and genders. The mean values for RNFL thickness, disc area, rim area, and cup volume were 93.9 μm, 2mm2, 1.6mm2, and 0.3mm3, respectively. The vertical ratio of cup to disc was 0.4. Normative values for macular and optic nerve measures among Saudi children were established using the Cirrus HD-OCT device to serve as a reference.

Evaluation of the retinal nerve fiber layer and choroidal thickness with optical coherence tomography in patients with psoriasis

BackgroundTo evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), central retinal thickness (CRT), and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with psoriasis. MethodsThe study included 43 patients diagnosed with psoriasis not receiving systemic treatment and 41 healthy volunteers. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was used for retinal and choroidal thickness measurements. The mean RNFL, quadrant RNFL (superior, inferior, nasal, temporal), and CRT values were recorded. The choroidal thickness measurements were taken from the subfoveal area, towards the temporal and nasal directions from the fovea at distances of 500, 1000, and 1500 µm. ResultsThe RNFL was determined to be thinner in the superior quadrant (p=0.025), and the CT was thicker at all the measurement points (p < 0.05) in the patients with psoriasis. The CRT values were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). No correlation was determined between the parameters measured and disease duration or severity. ConclusionsThinning of the RNFL and increased CT may be a sign of choroidal microvascular changes and ganglion cell damage due to psoriasis.

Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness in diabetic smokers without diabetic retinopathy

Purpose To compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) in smoker and nonsmoker diabetics without diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods Patients with diabetes were divided into two groups according to their smoking status: Group 1 consisted of 38 smoker diabetics who had chronically smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day for more than five years; Group 2 consisted of 38 nonsmoker diabetics. After a detailed ophthalmologic examination, the mean and regional (superior, supratemporal, inferior, inferotemporal, temporal, nasal, superonasal, and inferonasal) RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses were measured with spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and compared between groups. Results The mean age was 54.7 ± 10.5 and 51.2 ± 9.7 years in the smoker and nonsmoker groups, respectively (p = 0.14). Gender, duration of diabetes, and the mean axial length were similar between groups (p:0.43, p:0.54, p: 0.52, respectively). Mean RNFL thickness was 89.1 ± 8.0 µm in the smoker group and 93.4 ± 7.0 µm in the nonsmoker group, and it was significantly thinner in the smoker group (p = 0.01). The temporal RNFL thickness in the smoker group was thinner than in the nonsmoker group (p = 0.02). There was no difference in superior, inferior, and nasal RNFL thicknesses between the groups (p = 0.31, p = 0.12, p = 0.39, respectively). The mean macular GC-IPL thickness of the smoker and nonsmoker groups was 78.53 ± 15.74 µm and 83.08 ± 5.85 µm, respectively (p = 0.09). Superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal, and superotemporal quadrant GC-IPL thicknesses were similar between the groups (p = 0.07, p = 0.60, p = 0.55, p = 0.77, p = 0.71, p = 0.08, respectively). The groups showed no difference in minimum GC-IPL thickness (p = 0.43). There was a significant negative correlation between smoking exposure and mean, inferior quadrant RNFL thicknesses in the smoker group (p = 0.04, r= −0.32, and p = 0.01, r= −0.39, respectively). Conclusion Mean RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in smoker diabetics. Although not statistically significant, especially mean, superior, and superotemporal GC-IPL was thinner in smoker diabetics. The results suggest a potential association between the coexistence of diabetes and smoking with alterations in RNFL and GC-IPL thickness.

Optical coherence tomography angiography characteristics of retinochoroidal and optic nerve head microcirculation in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

BackgroundTo assess retinochoroidal and optic nerve head microcirculation alterations in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia. MethodsThirty cryptogenic organizing pneumonia patients in the resolution phase (group 1, 30 right eyes) and 33 healthy subjects (group 2, 33 right eyes) were compared. Patients had 40 mg/day corticosteroids for 8–10 days, and a pulmonary function test, which revealed only minimally restrictive ventilation features. After gathering demographic data, a comprehensive ophthalmological exam and optical coherence tomography angiography were performed three months following maximum disease resolution with corticosteroid therapy ResultsGroups 1 and 2 had mean ages of 54.37±14.87 and 49.61±12.36 years, respectively (P = 0.171). Despite the lack of statistical significance, superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel densities in all macular regions were lower in group 1, as were foveal avascular zone parameters (P>0.05). However, the outer retinal and choriocapillaris flows increased significantly in group 1, especially in select areas (P<0.001, for both). There were no significant differences in whole image (P = 0.346), inside disk (P = 0.438), or peripapillary (P = 0.185) optic nerve head vessel densities between the two groups; however, nasal (P<0.001) and inferior quadrant (P = 0.006) vessel densities differed significantly. Global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness did not differ significantly between groups 1 and 2 (112.83±14.71 versus 111.45±12.74 µm, respectively; P = 0.692). Group 1, however, had significantly higher superior, nasal, and inferior quadrant, and significantly lower temporal quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (P<0.001, for all). ConclusionsConcerning the impact of probable cryptogenic organizing pneumonia-induced hypoxia on ocular tissues, optical coherence tomography angiography assessments of retinochoroidal and optic nerve head microcirculation could be employed as a biomarker for cerebral microcirculation.

Decreased perifoveal ganglion cell complex thickness - a first sign for macular damage in patients using hydroxychloroquine.

Aim: To examine ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness detected by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), without any structural and functional macular changes to evaluate the initial symptoms of macular toxicity for early diagnosis before clinical evaluation. Methods: Eighty eyes of forty patients (Group 1) and forty eyes of twenty healthy volunteer persons (Group 2) were included in the study. Detailed ophthalmologic and mydriatic fundus examination were applied to all patients and volunteers (controls). Spectral domain OCT, visual field (VF) and color vision test were performed. Measurements of macula thickness, GCC thickness (involving nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) were performed with OCT. Patients with retinal pigment epithelial changes, VF paracentral scotoma and defected color vision were excluded from the planned study. Results: Perifoveal GCC layer thickness in all quadrants was significantly thinner in group 1 compared to group 2 (p=0.017, p=0.001, p=0.019, p=0.001). The mean global inferior hemifield and nasal quadrant RNFL thickness were lower than in the control groups (p=0,012, p=0,009, p=0,005, respectively). Conclusion: Changes in the thickness of nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer detected by optical coherence tomography can be thought to be used as a diagnostic aid for the early diagnosis of hydroxychloroquine-toxic maculopathy Abbreviations: GCC = Ganglion cell complex, OCT = Optical coherence tomography, HCQ = Hydroxychloroquine, BCVA = Best-corrected visual acuity, IOP = Intraocular pressure, VF = Visual field, RNFL = Retinal nerve fiber layer, SD OCT = Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, mfERG = Multifocal electroretinogram, FAF = Fundus autofluorescence, IS/ OS = Inner segment-outer segment junction, SITA = Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm, RA = Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE = Systemic lupus erythematosus, SS = Sjogren syndrome.

Differences in structural parameters in patients with open-angle glaucoma, high myopia and both diseases concurrently. A pilot study.

To evaluate the differences in structural parameters in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), high myopia (M), and both diseases (OAG-M) concurrently. 42 subjects with OAG (n = 14), M (n = 14) and OAG-M (n = 14) were included in a prospective pilot study. Mean peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, RNFL in superior, temporal, inferior, nasal quadrants, macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) and its' layers, vessel density (VD) of optic nerve head (ONH) and macula were evaluated. The OAG-M group showed significantly lowest thickness of mean peripapillary RNFL 89 (49-103) μm (p = 0.021), temporal quadrant 64.5 (51-109) μm (p = 0.001) and inferior quadrant 107 (64-124) μm (p = 0.025). The macular RNFL was thinnest in the OAG-M group (p <0.001). Macular VD in inferior quadrant was lowest in OAG-M group at superficial capillary plexus 45.92 (40.39-51.72) % (p = 0.014) and choriocapillaris 51.62 (49.87-56.63) % (p = 0.035). The lowest ONH VD of temporal quadrant was found in the OAG-M group 52.15 (35.73-59.53) % (p = 0.001) in the superficial capillary plexus. Similarly, the lowest VD of inferior quadrant was found in OAG-M group in the choriocapillaris 54.42 (46.31-64.64) % (p<0.001). The M group showed the least thinning in the peripapillary RNFL thickness in the temporal quadrant and macular RNFL compared to other two groups. The highest macular VD in the inferior quadrant was in the M group in the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus and choriocapillaris. The M group showed highest VD in the temporal quadrant and in total VD of ONH at the superficial capillary plexus and in total VD of ONH at the deep capillary plexus. The observed decrease in peripapillary RNFL thickness of the temporal quadrant, macular RNFL thickness, the decrease of macular VD at the inferior quadrant and decrease in VD of the ONH temporal quadrant in deep capillary plexus could be beneficial for diagnosing glaucoma in high myopia.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Average and superior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) was lower in the more severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) group and inversely associated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). OSA may have an impact on RNFLT. The purpose of this study was to study the RNFLT using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with different severities of OSA. In this hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study, 90 (90 eyes) newly diagnosed OSA patients aged 18 years or above were enrolled. Based on the AHI, there were 38.8%, 30%, and 31.1% cases of mild (AHI≥5 to <15), moderate (AHI≥15 to <30), and severe (AHI≥30) OSA, respectively. All the participants underwent a comprehensive ocular examination. OCT was done using CIRRUS HD-OCT 500 to measure the RNFLT. The average RNFLT among the 3 OSA groups was significantly different ( P =0.002) and inversely associated with AHI ( P =0.02, rs =-0.16). Severe OSA had thinner average RNFLT than those with mild and moderate OSA ( P =0.01 and 0.003, respectively). Among the 4 quadrants observed, only the superior quadrant RNFLT among the 3 OSA groups was significantly different ( P <0.00001) and inversely associated with AHI ( P =0.01, rs =-0.17). Severe OSA had thinner superior quadrant RNFLT than those with moderate OSA ( P <0.01). The differences in the intraocular pressure among the 3 OSA groups were statistically significant ( P <0.0008). Patients with moderate and severe OSA had higher intraocular pressure than patients with mild OSA ( P =0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Attention should be paid to the patients with OSA as it may have an impact on RNFLT. OSA patients should be screened for glaucoma as early detection of glaucoma can reduce vision loss in these patients.

Five-year outcomes of selective laser trabeculoplasty: A retrospective study.

Studies have shown the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) as adjuvant therapy during short-term follow-up. However, few studies have assessed the long-term efficacy of SLT on preventing worsening Humphrey visual field (HVF) parameters and thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with continued medical therapy. A retrospective chart review was conducted of 51 eyes of 39 patients with glaucoma treated with SLT at Boston Medical Center between 2012 and 2016 with 3- and 5-year follow-up. Outcome measures included IOP, visual acuity, number of glaucoma medications, number of months to subsequent surgical intervention. HVF outcome measures included mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) outcome measures included RNFL mean thickness, and superior and inferior thicknesses. Twenty-five eyes received subsequent surgical intervention (mean time to intervention = 33.6 ± 20.0 months). In the eyes that did not receive another intervention, mean IOP was significantly decreased by 3.2 and 3.5 mmHg at 3- and 5-year after SLT, respectively. Mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly increased at 5-year (2.7 ± 1.6; P = 0.04), compared to pre-SLT (2.0 ± 1.1). Mean HVF MD was significantly higher at 5-year (-7.64 ± 6.57 dB) compared to pre-SLT (-5.61 ± 3.90 dB). Mean PSD significantly increased at 3-year (5.30 ± 2.91 dB) and 5-year (6.84 ± 2.62 dB), compared to pre-SLT (4.63 ± 2.70 dB; P = 0.04 and ≤0.01, respectively). On OCT, inferior quadrant RNFL thickness decreased significantly at 5-year (88.5 ± 19.3 μm), compared to pre-SLT (94.0 ± 23.2 μm). Although 51% of eyes had IOP controlled at 5-year post-SLT, mean number of glaucoma medications was significantly higher. Also, there was progression of MD and PSD on HVF and inferior quadrant thinning on OCT at 5-year. We found a significant association between age at SLT and risk of subsequent surgical intervention over 5-year follow-up. Our study adds to our understanding of long-term outcomes of adjuvant SLT for glaucoma patients receiving medical therapy.

Investigation of the optic disc and retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography in children with asthma.

To assess the optic disc and retinal microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in asthmatic children. Thirty asthmatic children (asthma group) and 30 control age- and sex-matched healthy controls (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. The asthma group was then divided into two subgroups according to the presence of inhaled steroid use. Demographic findings were noted. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and vessel density in different sections of the retina and optic nerve head were analyzed by OCTA. RNFL thickness for temporal quadrants and flow area for outer retina levels were significantly lower in the asthma group than the control group (72.58 ± 10.99 μm vs 77.73 ± 9.73μm, P = 0.015, and 0.60 ± 0.31mm2 vs. 0.72 ± 0.31mm2, P = 0.047, respectively). However, inside disc vascular densities were significantly higher in the asthma group when compared to controls (55.16% ± 3.71% vs. 52.08% ± 3.79%, P < 0.001). Inside disc vascular densities were also significantly higher, and RNFL thickness for temporal quadrants was significantly lower in the asthmatic patients without steroid use subgroup when compared to others (P < 0.001, P = 0.012, respectively). Lower values of temporal quadrant RNFL, and flow area for outer retina, but higher levels of inside disc vascular density seem to be associated with asthmatic children. OCTA findings in asthmatic children appear to be regardless of inhaled steroid use.

Evaluation of Peripapillary and Macular Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Paediatric Glaucoma Suspects

Introduction: Glaucoma patients are known to have optic disc cupping, leading to loss of retinal ganglion cell axons. This peripapillary nerve thinness is known to be associated with glaucoma in adult patients. Hence, we intended to evaluate the peripapillary and macular nerve fiber thickness in eyes of pediatric glaucoma suspects using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study included 44 eyes of 22 paediatric glaucoma suspects, who were compared with 40 eyes of 20 normal paediatric eyes. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relations between the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and ganglion cell complex (GCC). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve was plotted for OCT parameters in both the groups along with area under the curve (AUC) calculation. P values &lt; 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: We found the RNFL to be thickest in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants in both glaucoma suspects and normal group. When compared among quadrants in RNFL, all the values in different quadrants were statistically significant from each other and in between groups with p &lt; 0.01. The RNFL thickness was statistically different in glaucoma when compared with normal in superior, temporal, and nasal quadrants however, no statistically significant difference was found in inferior quadrant RNFL. The largest AUC for discrimination of glaucoma suspect eyes from normal in peripapillary RNFL in was nasal quadrant in right eye, followed by temporal quadrant whereas it was largest in superior followed by nasal quadrants then average in left eye. However, AUC for discrimination of glaucoma suspects from normal in GCC was poor. Conclusions: Glaucoma suspect paediatric eyes showed significant thinning in peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness compared to normal subjects.

Assessment the neurodegenaration process of post-geniculate optic pathway in thalamic tumors using optical coherence tomography: Post-geniculate optic pathway in thalamic tumors.

To investigate the effect of thalamic tumors related to post-geniculate optic pathway and those of microsurgical removal on neurodegeneration process of visual pathway using OCT. This cross-sectional study included 30 eyes of 15 patients with thalamic tumors and data compiled from 45 eyes of 45 healthy participants. The analysis of variables was divided into ipsilateral and contralateral eye depends on the laterality of brain tumors. The data gained at baseline, postoperative 3rd and postoperative 6th month period was analyzed in One-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA. The mean superior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of ipsilateral eye was significantly thicker (p = 0.02), while inferior hemifield ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness of contralateral eye was significantly higher compared to control groups (p = 0.02). Significant negative correlations were found between the mean preop. mean deviation (MD) and tumor volume and time interval between initial diagnosis and surgery (r = - 0.730, p = 0.002 and r = - 0.680, p = 0.005, respectively) in the ipsilateral eye. In repeated measure analysis, there was no unfavourable effect of thalamic microsurgery on peripapillary average RNFL thickness on both ipsilateral and contralateral eyes (Ipsilateral eye; f (1.5,21.7) 0.76 p = 0.51 and contralateral eye; f (1.4,20.4) 0.42 p = 0.59). This study suggests that thalamic tumors affecting post-geniculate optic pathway may lead to significant increase in RNFL and GC-IPL thicknesses and changes in VF parameters. Timely intervention in thalamic tumors may prevent irreversible loss of retinal axons secondary to neurodegeneration process.

Assessment of severity of Parkinson’s disease by optical coherence tomography

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common movement disorder after essential tremor. Diminished visual acuity, color vision, and contrast sensitivity are also described in PD. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a producible test for axonal degeneration, helps in prognosticating diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. Aims and Objectives: To assess the severity of Parkinson’s disease with the changes in various variables of OCT. The objective is to evaluate variables such as (RNFL, CMT, TMV) of both eyes with SD – OCT. Materials and Methods: It is a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted for a period of 22 months at the department of neurology. A total of 55 PD patients and 30 age- and sex-matched controls were evaluated. Results: There was a significant difference between patients and controls in average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and all RNFL quadrants in both the eyes (P&lt;0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between the RNFL thickness and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score and Hoehn and Yahr (H&amp;Y) score in both the eyes (P&lt;0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between total macular volume (TMV) and central macular thickness (CMT) with UPDRS motor score in both the eyes (P&lt;0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between CMT and H&amp;Y stage in both the eyes (P&lt;0.001). There was a significant difference between patients and controls in CMT and TMV in both the eyes (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: A significant negative correlation between severity and stage of the PD with OCT values was identified, which may suggest the possibility of dopaminergic depletion in the retina corresponding with basal ganglia dopamine depletion.