Optical coherence tomography monitoring and diagnosing retinal changes in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

This study explores the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS). The analysis of reduced total macular volume and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning are shown. The severity of these defects increases as MS progresses, reflecting the progressive degeneration of nerve fibers and retinal ganglion cells. The OCT parameters are noninvasive, sensitive indicators that can be used to assess the progression of neurodegeneration and inflammation in MS.

Keywords: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis; ganglion cell layer; multiple sclerosis; optical coherence tomography; retinal nerve fiber layer.