Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:The GDx (Laser Diagnostic Technologies, San Diego, CA) is a scanning laser polarimeter that assesses nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness in vivo. NFL thinning has been demonstrated in one case with an anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION).1 We measured the changes in NFL thickness in a larger group of patients with an AION. Methods:18 eyes of 16 patients with a recent AION were followed. Multiple images were obtained during a mean follow-up of 15.7 months (range 6-34 months). The superior maximum (smax) and inferior maximum (imax) parameters were used as a measure for the superior and inferior arcuate bundle, respectively. These parameters were compared between the first and the last GDx image. In 10 patients the contralateral eye served as a control eye. Results:The mean smax decreased from 85.4µ to 56.6µ (p<0.001); the mean imax decreased from 87.0µ to 63.1µ (p<0.001). The contralateral eye did not show a statistically significant decrease in NFL thickness. Conclusion:Nerve fiber layer thickness decreased in eyes with an AION.
Keywords: 487 neuro-ophthalmology: optic nerve • 484 nerve fiber layer • 432 imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)