Optical coherence tomography as a monitoring and predicting tool in Graves’ ophthalmopathy

Purpose To study the relationship between macular thickness in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) patients and the occurrence and progression of the disease. Method 32 eyes of GO patients and 32 eyes of normal controls were included. All patients and control group participants underwent eye examinations, which included optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, intraocular pressure (IOP) analysis, slit lamp biomicroscopy, OCT examination and visual field examination. We evaluated the retinal structure of GO patients by measuring the thickness of the macular area and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), studied the relationship between the thickness of the macular area and IOP, and compared the macular thickness of GO patients with and without visual field defects and visual impairment. Results Here, we evaluated structural retinal abnormalities, including the thickness of the macular area and the RNFL, in patients with GO. Part of the RNFL thickness of GO patients were significantly thinner than those in normal controls.In particular, after 7 months of follow-up, the macular thickness of GO patients was reduced. Macular thickness thinning was related with visual field defects and visual loss, and had a negative correlation with IOP. Conclusion Loss of macular and RNFL thickness associated with GO can be detected by OCT. The macular retina becomes thinner as the disease progresses. Peripapillary, macula thickness parameters may be used as an indicator for the diagnosis, prediction of disease progression, and assessment of visual function loss in GO patients.