Prognostic determination using optical coherence tomography compared with visual functions in optic neuritis

Background: The majority of optic neuritis patients often notice improvement and gain stability of their visual functions, however, evidences of ongoing retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thinning have been reported. Purposes: To investigate the correlation between RNFL thickness measured with Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual function tests and to determine the utility of OCT in visual prognostic assessment of optic neuritis. Method: A prospective study was performed in 12 patients with acute isolated optic neuritis. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Swedish interactive threshold algorithms (SITA) 30-2 strategy on Humphrey field analyzer, and fast RNFL thickness analysis were performed on both affected and fellow eyes at baseline, 1.5, three and six months. Results: Mean BCVA and average mean deviation (MD) of the affected eye were significantly different from the fellow eyes at baseline. Affected eyes had significant thinner of RNFL at baseline, 1.5, three, and six months. Significant correlations between (i) mean RNFL thickness and BCVA at 1.5 ( r = 0.707, p = .010), (ii) mean RNFL thickness and MD at 1.5 months ( r = 0.674, p = .016) and six months( r = 0.710, p = .032), (iii) mean RNFL thickness at 1.5 months and MD at six months ( r = 0.782, p = .013). Conclusion: A correlation between RNFL thickness and visual function tests indicates that OCT might have roles in detection and prediction of RNFL damage in Optic neuritis (ON) patients despite no evidence of MS.