Optic nerve changes in chronic sinusitis patients: Correlation with disease severity and relevant sinus location

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Chronic sinusitis is a common condition affecting the paranasal sinuses.
• Optic nerve damage can lead to irreversible vision loss.
• The relationship between chronic sinusitis and optic nerve health requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and extent of optic nerve damage in patients with chronic sinusitis.
• To determine if the severity of chronic sinusitis correlates with structural and functional changes in the optic nerve.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study involving 46 chronic sinusitis patients and 57 controls.
• Standard automated perimetry (SAP) measured visual sensitivity.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessed inner retinal thickness.
• CT scans quantified sinusitis severity using the Lund-Mackay system.

Main Results:

• A positive correlation was found between sinusitis severity (Lund-Mackay score) and pattern standard deviation in visual field testing.
• Nasal retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness were negatively correlated with sinusitis severity.
• Opacification of posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses was significantly associated with reduced visual function and retinal thinning.

Conclusions:

• Structural and functional optic nerve changes are associated with the severity of chronic sinusitis.
• Inflammation in the posterior ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses shows a stronger link to optic nerve damage compared to other sinuses.