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Inner Plexiform Layer Substrata Are Discernible with Commercial OCT and Affected by Aging
Victor S M C Correa1, Maria Emfietzoglou1, Gustavo Sakuno1
1Ines and Fredrick Yeatts Retina Research Laboratory, Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Ophthalmology Science
|July 21, 2025
Summary
Aging alters the inner plexiform layer (IPL) microstructure, reducing contrast between its sublayers. This study demonstrates that IPL analysis using spectral-domain OCT is reproducible and can serve as a biomarker for retinal health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The inner plexiform layer (IPL) is crucial for retinal signal processing.
- Understanding age-related changes in the IPL is vital for diagnosing and monitoring neurodegenerative diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the microstructure of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and its age-related changes.
- To assess the feasibility and reproducibility of IPL analysis using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 92 healthy participants.
- SD-OCT macular scans were analyzed using a semiautomated segmentation program to measure IPL thickness and sublayer characteristics.
- Statistical analyses correlated age with IPL features, and repeatability was assessed.
Main Results:
- Aging led to increased signal intensity in hyporeflective IPL bands and reduced contrast between the 5 sublayers.
- Older individuals showed a lower percentage of identifiable IPL sublayers and reduced inner retinal thickness (IPL, NFL, GCC).
- IPL analysis demonstrated high intraeye and intereye repeatability.
Conclusions:
- Semiautomated analysis of the IPL using commercial SD-OCT is feasible and reproducible.
- IPL microstructure undergoes significant changes with aging.
- IPL evaluation may serve as a valuable biomarker for diseases impacting synaptic health.
