Investigation of Macular Inner Retinal Layer Thickness in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

We examined the retinal nerve fiber, ganglion cell, and inner plexiform layers in the nasal macular inner retinal layer thickness (including the papillomacular nerve fiber bundle) in patients with multiple sclerosis. The subjects included 13 individuals (26 eyes) with multiple sclerosis and 42 individuals (73 eyes) with normal eyes. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, we examined their history of optic neuritis, disease duration, age-related changes, and expanded disability status scale. Change in macular ganglion cell layer correlated with disease duration and retinal thinning, despite absence of history of optic neuritis (r = 0.63, p = 0.003). The multiple sclerosis group also demonstrated faster age-related retinal thinning than the normal group. The above results suggest that multiple sclerosis is associated with asymptomatic changes in the inner retina, demonstrating a pathology resembling neurodegeneration. In addition, the use of the immunosuppressant fingolimod, which prevents recurrence, may inhibit retinal thinning.