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Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo
Published on: September 22, 2017
Axonal loss occurs early in dominant optic atrophy
Dan Milea1, Birgit Sander, Marianne Wegener
1Department of Ophthalmology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. danmil01@glo.regionh.dk <danmil01@glo.regionh.dk>
Acta Ophthalmologica
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness decreases with age in both healthy individuals and OPA1 autosomal dominant optic atrophy (DOA) patients. This age-related decline in RNFL thickness may explain the reduced visual acuity in DOA patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Autosomal dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is a mitochondrial eye disease.
- OPA1 gene mutations are a common cause of DOA.
- Understanding age-related changes in the retina is crucial for diagnosing and managing optic neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between age, retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
- To compare these age-related changes in healthy subjects and patients with OPA1 autosomal dominant optic atrophy (DOA).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 30 healthy subjects and 10 OPA1 DOA patients.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) used to measure RNFL thickness and ganglion cell layer density.
- Regression analysis performed to assess RNFL thickness and BCVA in relation to age.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed a gradual reduction in RNFL thickness with age, with a constant offset between healthy and DOA groups.
- RNFL thickness decreased annually by 0.48 microm (p < 0.0001).
- BCVA significantly decreased with age in DOA patients, correlating with RNFL thickness and macular thickness.
Conclusions:
- Age-related RNFL thickness decline is comparable in healthy individuals and DOA patients.
- The RNFL deficit in DOA patients appears to be age-independent.
- Reduced BCVA in DOA patients may stem from an early-onset RNFL deficit, potentially present before age 20.
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