Purpose:
The objective of this study was to analyze the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in CKD patients by means of optical coherence tomography, ascertaining mean overall RNFLT and mean RNFLT in the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior quadrants and comparing these measurements to those obtained from a control group.
Methods:
The study sample comprised 11 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with a history of at least 1 year of hemodialysis and 17 healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination, which consisted of uncorrected high-contrast visual acuity testing with an ETDRSTM chart; thorough biomicroscopy; measurement of intraocular pressure with a Goldmann tonometer; and funduscopy. After this examination, RNFLT was measured with a model 3000 OCT unit (Stratus OCT-3TM, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA). The fast RNFL protocol was used, which consists of three consecutive 3.4-mm-diameter circular scans centered on the optic nerve. Measured parameters included overall mean RNFLT and mean RNFLT at the temporal (316-45°), superior (46-135°), nasal (136-225°), and inferior (226-315°) quadrants.The Mann-Whitney U was employed to assess possible between-group differences in mean overall RNFLT and RNFLT at the superior, temporal, nasal, and inferior quadrants.
Results:
Twenty-two and 33 eyes were assessed in the case and control groups respectively. The mean RNFLT overall and at the superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants was greater in the control group, and that no significant between-group differences were detected in RNFLT at the temporal quadrant. Figure 1 provides a clearer visualization of these measurements.
Conclusions:
The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and at the superior, nasal, and inferior quadrants was greater in the control group compared to patients with chronic kidney disease and that no significant between-group differences were detected in RNFLT at the temporal quadrant.
Keywords: imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • retina • optic nerve