Open AccessRecent advances and future directions on the use of optical coherence tomography in neuro-ophthalmology
Author(s) -
Cody Lo,
Laurel N. Vuong,
Jonathan A. Micieli
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
taiwan journal of ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.519
H-Index - 9
eISSN - 2211-5072
pISSN - 2211-5056
DOI - 10.4103/tjo.tjo_76_20
Subject(s) - medicine , optical coherence tomography , nerve fiber layer , ophthalmology , ganglion , neuro ophthalmology , retinal , inner plexiform layer , retina , optic nerve , papilledema , glaucoma , neuroscience , anatomy , biology
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging technique used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze various layers of the retina. OCT of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) is particularly useful in neuro-ophthalmology for the evaluation of patients with optic neuropathies and retrochiasmal visual pathway disorders. OCT allows for an objective quantification of edema and atrophy of the RNFL and GCIPL, which may be evident before obvious clinical signs and visual dysfunction develop. Enhanced depth imaging OCT allows for visualization of deep structures of the optic nerve and has emerged as the gold standard for the detection of optic disc drusen. In the evaluation of compressive optic neuropathies, OCT RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses have been established as the most important visual prognostic factor. There is increasing evidence that inclusion of OCT as part of the diagnostic criteria for multiple sclerosis (MS) increases its sensitivity. Moreover, OCT of the RNFL and GCIPL may be helpful in the early detection and monitoring the treatment of conditions such as MS and Alzheimer's disease. OCT is an important aspect of the neuro-ophthalmologic assessment and its use is likely to increase moving forward.