Abstract
Purpose :
Ganglion cell inner plexiform (GCIP) layer thinning following acute optic neuritis (AON) is well-known. However, the onset of changes in the outer retinal layers and their trend during the follow up period need further study. We examined the changes in outer retinal thickness during the first six months follow up of AON.
Methods :
50 AON patients underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual function testing at baseline, one month, and 6 months after onset of AON. Longitudinal changes in retinal layer thickness were analyzed using linear mixed model.
Results :
Mean age at diagnosis was 31.9 ± 8.8 years. Mean visual acuity was 1.01± 0.83 logMAR that reached to 0.45 ± 0.13 logMAR at six months. Mean GCIPL thickness decreased at one month relative to baseline from 64.3 ± 7.2 µm to 55.9± 6.8 µm (P<0.001 for all macular sectors). There were no significant changes in GCIPL thickness between one and 6 months. ONL thickness in the 6 mm macular area increased from 58.6±6.8 µm to 61.2±8.1 µm at one month (P<0.001) and then decreased at six month (59.8±5.8 µm) relative to one month, reaching the baseline thickness. ONL thicknesses in the central 3 mm macular area were not significant at one and six months compared to baseline values. Outer plexiform thickness and retinal pigment epithelium were also unaffected during the course of optic neuritis.
Conclusions :
Following AON, transient changes occur in the photoreceptor layer and then revert to baseline. These findings help further our understanding of the pathogenesis of AON.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Imaging in the Eye Conference, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 26-27, 2019.