Retinal Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness Research Articles

Monitoring of several morphometric parameters of the optic nerve and retina in persons without glaucoma and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma using various types of spectacle correction

Purpose: to perform long-term monitoring of the state of several morphometric parameters of the retina and optic nerve in persons without glaucoma and patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in the conditions of achieving tolerant and target IOP against the background of the use of various types of spectacle correction. Material and methods: 139 patients aged 40–60 years with various types of clinical refraction were examined, 41 subjects (81 eyes) of them were without glaucoma, 98 patients (164 eyes) had POAG at stage I–II. In addition to standard methods, the scope of the examination included optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve and the central area of the retina to determine the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), retinal ganglion cell complex (RGCC) and the area of the neuroretinal rim (NRR). The study was conducted in 4 observation groups. The first (21subjects) and the second (20 subjects) groups were represented by persons without glaucoma who used monofocal spectacle correction and progressive spectacle correction for near work, respectively. The third (50 subjects) and the fourth (48 subjects) groups were composed of patients with POAG who also used, respectively, monofocal spectacle correction for near vision or progressive spectacle correction against the background of topical hypotensive therapy with the achievement of tolerant and target IOP. The follow-up period was three years. Results: There were no significant changes in the area of NRR (p 0,5) and in the thickness of RNFL (p 0,2) and RGCC (p 0,3) over the three-year follow-up period in all patients without glaucoma. In patients with POAG who applied progressive correction, no negative dynamics was revealed in the NRR area (p 0,5) and in the thickness of RNFL (p 0,5) and RGCC (p 0,5) during the follow-up period. POAG patients with using monofocal correction had noticeable losses in RNFL and RGCC thickness (p 0,05) without a significant decrease in the area of NRR (p 0,3). Conclusion: The progressive spectacle correction using provides accommodative regulation of IOP in POAG and implements an indirect neuroprotective effect.

Presbyopia, Dry Eye, and Retinal Thickness in the Middle-Aged Population: Focusing on Sex Differences.

Risk factors for presbyopia have not been fully determined although previous studies suggested presbyopia was associate with age, dry eye, and retinal ganglion cell complex thickness (GCC). We accessed these signs and common ocular symptoms in the middle-aged population focusing on sex differences when women have drastic hormonal change. This cohort study consecutively enrolled 2743 patients aged 36-45 years (n=1000), 46-55 years (n=1000), and 56-65 years (n=743). All underwent ocular surface tests and had near add power and GCC measured. Common ocular symptoms were asked using questionnaire. Among female participants, visual symptoms (eye strain and photophobia) were more prevalent in the age group 46-55, whereas non-visual symptoms (dryness, irritation, and pain) were not. We identified symptomatic presbyopia (near add power ≥ 1.5D) in 14.4%, 73.8%, and 97.8%, positive corneal staining in 29.1%, 23.8%, and 23.9%, and a mean GCC of 98.2 μm, 105.3 μm, and 89.6 μm in the age groups 36-45, 46-55, and 56-65, respectively. Mean tear break-up time were 3.3, 3.5, and 3.3 seconds, respectively. Results indicated a large progression of presbyopia (P<0.01) from the period of 36-45 years onward and significantly increased GCC (P<0.01) in women of age group 46-55. No notable tendency was observed in symptoms and GCC for male participants. Visual symptoms in women were worse between 46 and 55 years than before or after these ages. The increase of symptomatic presbyopia and GCC may be contributing to visual symptoms in addition to menopausal transition symptoms in this age group.

Retinal ganglion cell complex thickness in subjects with diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled hypertension in China

PurposeTo assess the interactive relationship between blood pressure status and diabetic mellitus (DM) with ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in elderly individuals in rural China.MethodsParticipants aged 50 years and older in a rural area of Daxing District, Beijing, were recruited in this study from October 2018 to November 2018. All subjects underwent a comprehensive systemic and ocular examination. Blood pressure status was graded as normotension, controlled hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension according to blood pressure measurements and the use of any medication for hypertension treatment. GCC parameters were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Generalized linear models (GLM) adjusted for related potential confounders were used to assess the interaction between DM and blood pressure status.ResultsAmong 1415 screened subjects (2830 eyes), a total of 1117 eyes were enrolled in the final analysis. GLM analysis showed a significant interactive relationship between DM with uncontrolled hypertension status (β = 3.868, p = 0.011). GCC thickness would decrease 0.255 μm per year as the age increased (β=-0.255, p < 0.001). In a subgroup of 574 subjects with uncontrolled hypertension, DM was associated with an increased average of GCC thickness (β = 1.929, p = 0.022).ConclusionsThe present results revealed a significant interactive relationship between blood pressure status and DM. The average GCC thickness increased in individuals with DM combined with uncontrolled hypertension, which should be considered in the measurement of GCC. Further studies are warranted to explore ganglion cells changes as a non-invasive method to detect neuron alterations in individuals with DM and uncontrolled hypertension.Trail registrationThe registration number of the present trial in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry is ChiCTR2000037944.

Assessment of retinal ganglion cell complex thickness in diabetic patients before and after intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents by OCT

Assessment of retinal ganglion cell complex thickness in diabetic patients before and after intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents by OCT

The Relative Preservation of the Central Retinal Layers in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the thickness of retinal layers in Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) in the atrophic stage compared with presumably inherited bilateral optic neuropathy of unknown cause with the aim of seeing if any LHON-specific patterns exist. (2) Methods: 14 patients (24 eyes) with genetically confirmed LHON (LHON group) were compared with 13 patients (23 eyes) with negative genetic testing results (mtDNA + WES) and without identified etiology of bilateral optic atrophy (nonLHON group). Segmentation analysis of retinal layers in the macula and peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL) measurements was performed using Heidelberg Engineering Spectralis SD-OCT. (3) Results: In the LHON group, the thickness of ganglion cell complex (GCC) (retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)—ganglion cell layer (GCL)—inner plexiform layer (IPL)) in the central ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) circle was significantly higher than in the nonLHON group (p < 0.001). In all other ETDRS fields, GCC was thinner in the LHON group. The peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL) was significantly thinner in the LHON group in the temporal superior region (p = 0.001). Longitudinal analysis of our cohort during the follow-up time showed a tendency of thickening of the RNFL, GCL, and IPL in the LHON group in the central circle, as well as a small recovery of the pRNFL in the temporal region, which corresponds to the observed central macular thickening. (4) Conclusions: In LHON, the retinal ganglion cell complex thickness (RNFL-GCL-IPL) appears to be relatively preserved in the central ETDRS circle compared to nonLHON optic neuropathies in the chronic phase. Our findings may represent novel biomarkers as well as a structural basis for possible recovery in some patients with LHON.

Comparative study of retinal ganglion cell complex thickness with retinal nerve fibre layer and visual field changes in cases of suspicious disc or glaucoma suspect

Purpose: To compare and correlate macular ganglion cell complex thickness (GCC) with retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and visual field (VF) changes in cases of suspicious disc or glaucoma suspect. Methods: A total of 60 glaucoma suspects, were included in the study group. These patients were subjected to standard investigations for glaucoma like tonometry, central corneal thickness (CCT), gonioscopy and fundoscopy. Visual fields were assessed using automated static perimetry of Humphrey Automated Visual Field Analyser. The test used was central 30-2 SITA standard. optical coherence tomography was done using RTvue, model 100 (version 5.1) to assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion Cell complex thickness (GCC). Correlation of RNFL and GCC was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and correlation between GCC and VF was assessed using two independent sample t –test. Results: A total of 60 eyes of 60 glaucoma suspects, were enrolled in the study both males and females were included.

Retinal ganglion cell complex thickness at school-age, prematurity and neonatal stressors.

To investigate the association between the ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness at early school-age and prematurity and other neonatal factors. Cross-sectional study. The sample included very preterm children with gestational age (GA) below 32 weeks or birthweight below 1500 g enrolled in a follow-up program (n = 101) and a comparison group of term-born children (n = 49). Ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was measured at 4-8 years using high-quality optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Data on neonatal and postnatal features were extracted from clinical records; analyses included mixed linear models. Ganglion cell layer (GCL) and retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) were thicker in term than in preterm born children (2.9 μm and 2.4 μm respectively, p < 0.001). Within the preterm group, lower GA was associated with a decrease in total GCL (0.7 μm per week, p < 0.001). Being small for GA was associated with further thinning in both layers (1.4 and 2.8 µm). Postnatal corticosteroids therapy and severe brain lesion were associated with thinning in the total GCL of 6 µm (p < 0.001) and 4.1 µm (p = 0.002), respectively, and shock was associated with thinning in total mRNFL of 6 µm (p < 0.001). Lower GA or birthweight are associated with thinning of GCC layers. When performing an OCT examination at school-age and a decrease in GCC thickness is observed, it may be relevant to ask about a history of prematurity, and further enquire about neonatal shock, postnatal corticosteroids therapy or severe brain lesion that are related to additional decrease in GCC thickness.

Optical coherence tomography analysis of eyes in patients with chronic chiasmal compression: A case report

Introduction. Olfactory groove meningiomas cause progressive compression of the frontal lobes with posterior projection towards the sella turcica. If large enough, these tumors may cause optic nerve compression and optic chiasm. The aim of this study was to determine whether optical coherence tomography, as a method that objectively measures the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer and retinal ganglion cell complex thickness, provides a realistic assessment of the postoperative visual outcome in chronic chiasmal compression caused by olfactory groove meningioma. Case Report. A 55-year-old woman presented with an eight month history of malaise, weakness, frontal headaches, anosmia, and blurred vision in both eyes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the endocranium revealed a large olfactory groove meningioma extending into the prechiasmal portion of the optic nerves and optic chiasm with a marked compressive effect. The mean preoperative retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was 65 ?m in the right eye and 63 ?m in the left eye. Ten months after surgery, the mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness was 67 ?m in the right eye and 63 ?m in the left eye. The mean preoperative ganglion cell complex thickness was 57 ?m in the right eye, while it could not be measured in the left eye due to loss of fixation. Ten months after surgery, the mean ganglion cell complex thickness was 56 ?m in the right eye and 48 ?m in the left eye. The obtained values were significantly lower than the physiologic thickness values. Conclusion. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and ganglion cell complex thickness measured by optical coherence tomography represent a valid prognostic indicator of visual outcome and recovery after surgical decompression of the optic chiasm.

Retinal Ganglion Cell Complex Changes after Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema.

To measure the changes in ganglion cell complex as measured on optical coherence tomography (OCT) after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin). Quasi-experimental study. Department of Ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, from March 2017 to April 2018. Patients presenting to the Eye OPD were assessed for diabetic macula edema requiring intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF. Patients having any coexisting ocular pathology hindering the OCT measurement, i.e. corneal opacity, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment or having macular edema secondary to other cases were excluded. Retinal ganglion cell complex thickness and signal strength was measured in superior, inferior, supero-nasal, superotemporal, infero-nasal and infero-temporal quadrants on OCT. Pre-injection, visual acuity was measured, OCT performed and the findings were recorded on a designed proforma. Post-injection, the patients were called for follow-up after one month at which time same measurements were evaluated. All the injections were administered by a single surgeon. The thickness of ganglion cell complex increased significantly (p <0.001) one month after Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab in diabetic macular edema affects the measurement of retinal ganglion cell complex thickness on OCT.

The time relationship of retinal light threshold fluctuations and retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex thickness changes on high-risk primary open-angle glaucoma

Objective To investigate the time relationship of the change, and diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity between retinal light threshold fluctuations (LTF) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex(GCC) thickness on high-risk primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods Totally 319 patients (319 eyes) with high-risk in POAG from the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical Universityand during December 2009 and December 2017, 50 healthy individuals (50 eyes) as control were collected in this longitudinal cohort study. Visual field and OCT were reviewed every 6 months on the high-risk group and every 12 months on the control group. High-risk groups inclusion criteria: vertical C/D≥0.6; early visual field defect (according to glaucoma visual field damage GSS2 quantitative grading standards, mean deviation and pattern standard deviation of central field exceeds the border as an early visual field defect); continuous repeatable results. The first field and OCT results in the absence of visual field defects and C/D≥0.6, which were conformed reliability indicators and removed learning effects as a baseline. When patients achieve POAG diagnosis criteria first time which was recorded as a turning point. And they were divided into early group meanwhile were ended of follow-up. After the last follow-up, the inspection data was segmented counted in yearly interval. The changes of LTF, thickness of RNFL and GCC during the follow-up period in the early POAG group and the control group were observed. The loss rate and change rate in each period were compared for the assessment of their trends with time. Followed by calculation of the area under receiver operating curves (AUC) to compare the predicted value of POAG and the sensitivity at 95% specificity in each period. Results After last follow-up, totally 67 patients 67 eyes (early POAG group, 37 males and 30 females) were entered the turning point. The mean follow-up of the early POAG group and the control group were 6.6 and 6.4 years. The average RNFL thickness was 79.05±8.09 μm, GCC thickness was 71.58±8.41 μm, LTF was −6.05±7.02 dB in early POAG group. The average RNFL thickness was 93.49±6.24 μm, GCC thickness was 79.72±6.32 μm, LTF was −0.31±0.58 dB in the control group. The differences of LTF and the thickness of RNFL and GCC were statistically significant (t=−5.97, −10.42, −5.60; P<0.001). The AUC of RNFL, GCC thickness and LTF increased with time in the early POAG group. The sensitivity was gradually increased at 95% specificity: 5th year before to at turning point, RNFL thickness AUC was 0.15, 0.65, 0.71, 0.77, 0.85, 0.92, and sensitivity was 20%, 56%, 61%, 65%, 70%, 76%, respectively; GCC thickness AUC was 0.12, 0.53, 0.69, 0.74, 0.82, 0.90, and sensitivity was 14%, 53%, 69%, 74%, 82%, 90%, respectively; the AUC of LTF was 0.10, 0.21, 0.33, 0.75, 0.86, 0.91, and sensitivity was 7%, 17%, 44%, 65%, 78%, 87%, respectively. Conclusions The earliest time of structural functional damage of POAG is at the 4th year before confirmed, simultaneous RNFL diagnosis accuracy and sensitivity are better than GCC and LTF. The earliest time of visual functional damage of POAG is at the 2th year before confirmed, simultaneous LTF diagnosis accuracy and sensitivity are better than RNFL and GCC. Key words: Glaucoma, open-angle/diagnosis; Retinal light threshold fluctuation; Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness; Retinal ganglion cell complex thickness; Time relationship

OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY;

ABSTRACT:&#x0D; PURPOSE: &#x0D; To study the changes in Ganglion Cell Complex as measured on OCT after&#x0D; phacoemulsification with intra ocular lens implantation.&#x0D; STUDY DESIGN:&#x0D; Quasi experimental study&#x0D; PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY:&#x0D; Department of Ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital, Lahore from 1-3-2017 to 30-4-2018&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS:&#x0D; Ethical approval of the study was obtained from ‘’Ethical Review Committee’’ of Lahore General&#x0D; Hospital, Lahore. Patients presenting to the Eye OPD Lahore General Hospital were assessed for&#x0D; inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients (n=64) diagnosed with cataract requiring surgery&#x0D; were included in study. Patients having any coexisting ocular pathology hindering the OCT&#x0D; measurement i.e. Corneal opacity, Vitreous hemorrhage, Retinal detachment were excluded&#x0D; from study. Retinal Ganglion Cell Complex thickness was measured in Superior, Inferior,&#x0D; Supero-Nasal, Supero-Temporal, Infero-Nasal and Infero-Temporal quadrants. Besides that&#x0D; Signal Strength on OCT was also documented. Pre-Operatively, Visual acuity was measured and&#x0D; OCT performed and the findings were recorded on a designed proforma. Post-Operatively, the&#x0D; patients were called for follow-up after one month at which time Visual acuity was again&#x0D; measured and OCT performed and findings recorded in the proforma. All the surgeries were&#x0D; performed by single surgeon.&#x0D; RESULTS: &#x0D; The thickness of Ganglion Cell Complex increased significantly (p&lt;0.001) one month after&#x0D; cataract surgery.&#x0D; CONCLUSION:&#x0D; Cataract surgery does affect the measurement of Retinal Ganglion Cell Complex thickness on&#x0D; OCT.

Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on Macular Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness and Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients treated with SSRIs.Methods: The present study included 62 eyes of 31 patients who were using SSRIs and 60 eyes of 30 healthy, age- and gender-matched control subjects. All patients underwent a full ophthalmological examination in which macular thickness, GCC thickness, and peripapillary RNFL thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the patients’ group with the age- and gender-matched control group. Pearson correlation analyses were also performed to assess the relationships between macular thickness, GCC thickness, RNFL thickness, and the duration of SSRI usage.Results: The mean duration of SSRI usage was 29.96 ± 27.19 (range 6–120) months. The foveal thickness was 253.48 ± 22.77µm in the patients’ group and 266.60 ± 20.64 µm in the control group; the difference between the groups was statistically significant. In addition, the perifoveal GCC thickness in the inferonasal and inferotemporal quadrant were significantly smaller thinner in the patient group (Mann–Whitney U test, p = 0.021and p = 0.013, respectively).Conclusions: Our results suggest a relation between SSRIs and decreased retinal GCC thickness and RNFL thickness. Future long-term prospective studies should elucidate the actual effect of SSRIs on GCC and RNFL thickness.

Visual field defects and changes in macular retinal ganglion cell complex thickness in eyes with intrachoroidal cavitation are similar to those in early glaucoma

Background/aimsTo examine the characteristics of visual field defects and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in eyes with intrachoroidal cavitation (ICC) and investigate the similarities between these results and glaucomatous changes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with ICC based on peripapillary radial cross-sectional scans performed with OCT. Visual field was measured with the Humphrey automated visual field analyzer SITA standard central 24-2 program, and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness was measured in 9×9 mm areas on OCT. The positive rates for the Anderson criteria, site of visual field defect, and mean GCC thickness in each quadrant were compared; the association between these results and ICC location was assessed.ResultsFifteen eyes from eleven patients (five males and six females; mean age, 54.6±10.7 years) were selected for investigation. ICC was detected in the inferior temporal side of the optic disc in all studied eyes. The positive rate for the Anderson criteria was 73.3% (11/15 eyes). Visual field defects were most commonly observed in the cluster that corresponded to the superior Bjerrum area (53.3%; 8/15 eyes). GCC thickness was significantly lower in the inferior side, where the ICC was located, than the superior side, where the ICC was absent (P=0.0001). GCC thinning that correlated with ICC was observed in 66.7% (10/15 eyes) of the ICC eyes.ConclusionVisual field and GCC findings on OCT in ICC eyes are extremely similar to those observed in superior visual field defect-type early glaucoma, indicating a possible difficulty in distinguishing the two conditions.

The clinical features and value of macular ganglion cell complex thickness patterns in patients with optic chiasma lesion

To evaluate patterns of macular retinal ganglion cell complex thickness (mRGCCT) in patients with two types of neurologic lesions in optic chiasm region. Retrospective case review study. Visual field test was conducted with automated perimetry (HAAG-STREIT OCTOPUS101 V6.07g Seven-in-One and 2010(HFA Ⅱ750-40220-5.1.1/5.1.1) Carl Zeiss Meditec), and visual field in the central 30 degree region was measured. Three types of thickness mapping including macular retinal thickness (MRT), macular ganglion cell complex thickness (mGCCT) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) were recorded with TOPCON 3D-OCT 2000 spectral domain OCT. The results of OCT were compared with visual field. Sixteen cases were included in this study, male 10 cases, female 6 cases. Age 5 to 77 years (average 48.2). Neurologic lesions including pituitary tumor (9 cases), craniopharyngioma (3 cases), optic canal dysplasia in optic chiasm region (1 case), meningioma (1 case), hemangioma (1 case) and aneurysm (1 case). 14 cases have chronic, progressive, long course of disease, OCT showed characteristic perpendicular bisector delimitation, bilateral nasal mGCCT atrophy and corresponding temporal hemianopsia. 2 cases (both were pituitary tumor ) have a chronic, short duration, accelerated attack, visual acuity and visual field rapidly declined, mGCCT is swelling or approach high limit of normal range. In pRNFL thickness map, atrophy of mRNFL in temporal peripapillary and nasal macular region could be observed. Chronic, progressive, long course of disease, combined with characteristic perpendicular bisector delimitation, bilateral nasal mGCCT atrophy and corresponding temporal hemianopsia is helpful to predict lesion of disease. mGCCT map is of equal importance with visual field test for diagnosis of lesion within optic chiasm. In cases with a chronic, short disease course, and accelerated attack, mGCCT could be swelling, but pRNFL could be thinner in temporal peripapillary and nasal macular region of single or both eyes, and visual field test is thus necessary in these cases.

Effect of enriching the diet with menhaden oil or daily treatment with resolvin D1 on neuropathy in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing the diet of a mouse model of type 2 diabetes with menhaden (fish) oil or daily treatment with resolvin D1 on diabetic neuropathy. The end points evaluated included motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity, thermal sensitivity, innervation of sensory nerves in the cornea and skin, and the retinal ganglion cell complex thickness. Menhaden oil is a natural source for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have been shown to have beneficial effects in other diseases. Resolvin D1 is a metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid and is known to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. To model type 2 diabetes, mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 wk followed by a low dosage of streptozotocin. After 8 wk of hyperglycemia, mice in experimental groups were treated for 6 wk with menhaden oil in the diet or daily injections of 1 ng/g body wt resolvin D1. Our findings show that menhaden oil or resolvin D1 did not improve elevated blood glucose, HbA1C, or glucose utilization. Untreated diabetic mice were thermal hypoalgesic, had reduced motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities, had decreased innervation of the cornea and skin, and had thinner retinal ganglion cell complex. These end points were significantly improved with menhaden oil or resolvin D1 treatment. Exogenously, resolvin D1 stimulated neurite outgrowth from primary cultures of dorsal root ganglion neurons from normal mice. These studies suggest that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fish oil could be an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy.

Reduced retinal ganglion cell complex thickness in patients with posterior cerebral artery infarction detected using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

To report a reduction in macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness detected with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in patients with homonymous hemianopia following acquired cerebral damage. We analyzed case reports of three patients with unilateral posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction. Three patients (aged 66, 68, and 71 years) with left homonymous hemianopia due to infarction of the right PCA territory were studied using SD-OCT. The duration of the lesions from the onset ranged from 12 to 36 months. In all of these patients, although optic atrophy and retinal nerve fiber layer defects were not detected on funduscopy, GCC thinning was demonstrated in the hemiretinae corresponding to the affected hemifields. Macular GCC measurements showed the localized defects of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) more clearly than circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer measurements. Total and outer retinal thicknesses were not found to be significantly affected. Our findings suggest that degeneration of RGCs can occur within a few years after PCA infarction.

Macular Retinal Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness and Its Relationship to the Optic Nerve Head Topography in Glaucomatous Eyes with Hemifield Defects

Purpose. To evaluate the relationship between the macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) thickness, which is the sum of the retinal nerve fiber, ganglion cell, and inner plexiform layers, measured with a spectral-domain optical coherence tomograph and the optic nerve head topography measured with a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope in glaucomatous eyes with visual field defects localized predominantly to either hemifield. Materials and Methods. The correlation between the mGCC thickness in hemispheres corresponding to hemifields with and without defects (damaged and intact hemispheres, respectively) and the optic nerve head topography corresponding to the respective hemispheres was evaluated in 18 glaucomatous eyes. Results. The mGCC thickness was significantly correlated with the rim volume, mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and cross-sectional area of the retinal nerve fiber layer in both the intact and the damaged hemispheres (P < .05). Discussion. For detecting very early glaucomatous damage of the optic nerve, changes in the thicknesses of the inner retina in the macular area and peripapillary RNFL as well as rim volume changes in the optic nerve head are target parameters that should be carefully monitored.