Longitudinal changes in the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness in high myopia: a prospective observational...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal imaging
• Myopia research

Background:

• High myopia is a significant risk factor for various ocular pathologies.
• The ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) is a key neural component of the retina.
• Understanding longitudinal changes in GC-IPL thickness is crucial for monitoring retinal health in myopic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate longitudinal changes in ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness in patients with high myopia.
• To compare GC-IPL thinning rates between high myopia and normal control groups across different age demographics.
• To assess the influence of age on the rate of GC-IPL reduction in both groups.

Main Methods:

• Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure GC-IPL thickness.
• Subjects were categorized into high myopia (axial length ≥26.0 mm) and normal control groups.
• Participants were further stratified by age (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s), with 20 eyes per subgroup, and followed for at least 3 years.

Main Results:

• The average GC-IPL thickness was initially thinner in the high myopia group (78.50 ± 8.79 µm) compared to controls (84.29 ± 6.12 µm).
• GC-IPL thickness significantly decreased over time in both groups.
• The rate of GC-IPL reduction was higher in older individuals, with the most pronounced effect observed in the high myopia group aged 50s (-0.81 µm/year).

Conclusions:

• Highly myopic eyes exhibit thinner GC-IPL and a more rapid reduction in thickness over time compared to normal eyes.
• Age is a significant factor influencing GC-IPL reduction, with older individuals experiencing faster thinning.
• The accelerated GC-IPL thinning in older, highly myopic individuals highlights a potential vulnerability in this demographic.