The evalution of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in strabismic patients measured with optical coherence tomography

Purpose: To compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and macular thickness of strabismic patients with healthy subjects using optical coherence tomography.Methods and Materials: The study group consisted of 20 strabismic patients with no amblyopia, 21 strabismic patients with amblyopia and 20 healthy subjects. Detailed ophthalmological examination and RNFL thickness and macular thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography were performed.Results: Superior quadrant RNLF thickness was significantly thicker in group 1 in comparison to the control group(p=0.038). There was no statistically difference between other parameters(p>0.05). Average RNLF, superior and inferior quadrant thickness was significantly thinner in group 2 in comparison to the control group. There is not statistically significant difference between other parameters(p>0.05). Average RNLF, superior and inferior quadrant thickness was significantly thinner in group 3 in comparison to the control group(p=0.031; p= 0.018; p=0.021). There was not statistically significant difference between other parameters(p>0.05).Macular nasal quadrant thickness was thinner in group 1 in comparison to the group 3(p=0.041). Macular inferior quadrant thickness was thinner in group 1 in comparison to the group 2(p=0.043). Macular temporal quadrant thickness was thicker in group 2 in comparison to the control group (p=0.021). Central macular thickness and temporal quadrant thickness was thicker in group 3 in comparison to the control group (p=0.065; p=0.005).Conclusions: The RNLF changes in strabismic and ambliyopic patients indicates retinal structural damages. Optical Coherence Tomography is a noninvasive, in vivo imaging technique and it is promising as a means of early diagnosis in strabismic amblyopia