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Examination of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with methamphetamine use disorder
Bahadir Demir1, Filiz Ozsoy2, Idris Kepenek3
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey.
Objective:
In our study, we aimed to examine Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) findings in patients diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) by comparing them with healthy controls.
Methods:
Sixty-five people were included in our study and 130 eyes were evaluated; 33 cases were included in the patient group with MUD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and 32 as the healthy control group. Detailed biomicroscopic examinations and then both eyes were evaluated through OCT by the same ophthalmologist.
Results:
There was no statistically significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of gender and age (p > 0.05). When the OCT findings were evaluated, the measurements of the patients in any quadrant for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) were not statistically different from the control group (p > 0.05). Macula and choroidal layer thickness did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Only right intraocular pressure was found to be decreased in the patient group (p = 0.026).
Conclusions:
There are a limited number of studies examining OCT findings in patients with MUD. Visual symptoms and intraocular pressure should be considered when evaluating patients with MUD and planning their treatment. In addition; in order for OCT findings to gain importance, which can be used as an effective method to show the possible neurodegeneration that may occur in substance use disorder, it should be supported with further research.
Insights
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) did not reveal significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer or macular thickness in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). However, decreased intraocular pressure was noted in the MUD group, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is a significant public health concern.
- Ophthalmological complications associated with MUD are not fully understood.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a valuable tool for assessing retinal and choroidal structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) findings in patients with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).
- To compare OCT measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macula, and choroid between MUD patients and healthy controls.
- To explore potential ocular structural changes associated with MUD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study including 33 patients diagnosed with MUD and 32 healthy controls.
- Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations including biomicroscopy.
- High-resolution OCT imaging of the macula, choroid, and RNFL for all participants.
- Statistical analysis to compare demographic data and OCT measurements between groups.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in RNFL thickness, macular thickness, or choroidal thickness between the MUD and control groups.
- Age and gender distributions were comparable between the patient and control groups.
- A statistically significant decrease in right intraocular pressure was observed in the MUD patient group compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- OCT did not reveal significant structural differences in the retina or choroid in patients with MUD compared to healthy individuals.
- Intraocular pressure may be affected in MUD patients, suggesting a need for careful ocular monitoring.
- Further research is recommended to elucidate the role of OCT in detecting neurodegeneration in substance use disorders and to understand visual symptoms in MUD patients.
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