Use of Fourier-domain OCT to detect retinal nerve fiber layer degeneration in Parkinson's disease patients

Purpose To demonstrate axonal loss in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to evaluate the ability of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect RNFL degeneration and retinal thinning in these patients. Methods PD patients (n = 100) and healthy subjects (n = 100) were included in the study and underwent visual acuity, color vision, and OCT examinations using two nextgeneration Fourier-domain devices (Spectralis and Cirrus). Differences in the RNFL thicknesses were compared between patients and controls. Results RNFL thicknesses were significantly reduced in PD patients compared with healthy subjects, especially those obtained using the Spectralis OCT, in the inferotemporal quadrant (155.6 +/- 16.5 lm in healthy eyes vs 142.1 +/- 24.9 lm in patients, P = 0.040) and in the superotemporal quadrant (142.6 +/- 20.9 lm in healthy eyes vs 132.77 +/- 18.6 mu m in PD patients, P = 0.046). Significant differences were observed between controls and patients in relation to mean macular thickness (P = 0.031), foveal thickness (P = 0.030), and inferior outer thickness (P = 0.019). Conclusion PD is associated with RNFL loss and retinal thinning, which is detectable by Fourier-domain OCT measurements. Eye (2013) 27, 507-514; doi: 10.1038/eye.2013.4; published online 22 February 2013