OCT and Visual Field Changes as Useful Markers for Follow-up of Axonal Loss in Multiple Sclerosis in Egyptian Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to correlate optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters, retinal sensitivity (perimetry) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with disease duration and neurologic functional disability in Egyptian patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional observational cohort study in which 68 MS patients and 23 healthy controls had full neurologic examination, including expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and full ophthalmologic examination, including functional and structural assessments of the optic nerve through BCVA, visual field examination (SITA), and OCT (Optovue).

RESULTS

Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly decreased in MS eyes. MS eyes had significantly decreased GCC. RNFL thickness was significantly negatively correlated to EDSS and disease duration. GCC was significantly negatively correlated to disease duration. BCVA and retinal sensitivity (MD) were significantly correlated to the MS duration.

CONCLUSIONS

OCT is a promising tool to detect subclinical changes in RNFL and GCC in Egyptian patients with MS.