Optic disc cupping after optic neuritis evaluated with optic coherence tomography

Abstract

Purpose To determine whether the optic disc experiences cupping after an episode of optic neuritis as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT).MethodsA total of 50 patients with unilateral optic neuritis and 50 age- and sex-matched controls were studied. A complete examination, including visual acuity (VA), visual fields, and OCT scanning of the optic nerve head was performed. Mean cup-to-disc (C/D) ratios in the affected eyes were compared with fellow and control eyes.ResultsMean C/D area ratio (CDAR), C/D vertical ratio (CDVR), and C/D horizontal ratio (CDHR) were significantly larger in the affected eyes compared to fellow (P<0.001) and control eyes (P<0.05). The asymmetry in CDAR, CDVR, and CDHR between both eyes in the patients with optic neuritis was equal to or greater than 0.2 in 24, 28, and 30% respectively. A significant inverse correlation was found between the C/D ratios asymmetry and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness (P<0.05).ConclusionA significant increase in C/D ratio can be detected by OCT after unilateral optic neuritis, inversely correlated with RNFL thickness, and VA. © 2009 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.