Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
08:17
Optical Coherence Tomography: Imaging Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells In Vivo
Published on: September 22, 2017
19.0K
[Four-year changes in ganglion cell complex thickness in homonymous hemianopia]
Toshio Kurokawa1, Masami Park2, Naoko Ueda2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Hakuaikai Hospital. kurokawa@kd5.so-net.ne.jp
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi
|January 9, 2014
Summary
Ganglion cell complex (GCC) thinning occurs in the human visual system after post-geniculate lesions. This study shows GCC thickness decreases by 5% annually for four years post-injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Context:
- Acquired transsynaptic retrograde degeneration affects the human visual system.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) can identify visual pathway damage.
- Post-geniculate lesions lead to optic tract atrophy, retinal nerve fiber layer loss, and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thinning.
Purpose:
- To investigate ganglion cell complex (GCC) changes in the human visual system within the first four years following post-geniculate lesions.
- To quantify the rate of GCC thinning and compare it with retinal thickness changes.
Summary:
- Nine patients with homonymous hemianopia underwent OCT scans.
- The ganglion cell complex (GCC) and retinal thicknesses were measured on both affected (hemianopia) and unaffected sides.
- A significant decrease in the GCC thickness on the hemianopia side was observed, with a negative linear relationship between the GCC thickness ratio and time elapsed since occipital damage.
Impact:
- GCC thickness decreases by approximately 5% per year for up to four years after post-geniculate damage.
- Retinal thickness remains relatively unchanged during the same period.
- These findings highlight the progressive nature of neurodegeneration in the visual pathway following specific brain injuries.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
1.7K
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
1.7K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.6K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.6K