Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate & compare changes in retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) thickness in cases of optic neuritis and to correlate it with visual function changes in Indian patients.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care facility over the course of September 2020 to August 2022. The written as well as informed consent was taken from all the patients who participated in the present study.
Results: In the present study, there were more females 53.33% as compared to males 46.7%. Majority of the patients 36.66% in 41-50 age group followed by 13.33% in 31-40 age group. 16.66% patients were in 20-30 and 51-60 age groups. The majority of the affected eyes in the current research, or 60% of them, had vision between 6/36 - 6/18.
Conclusion:  In the current study, the mean baseline RNFL thickness, gradually reduced from 4 weeks to 3 months. The diffuse depression had reduced post the intervention, none of the participants had diffuse or localised depression at 3 month follow up. The optic disc edema in acute anterior neuritis is confirmed by OCT, which is reflected as a thickening of the RNFL even in subclinical cases. The RNFL thickness is a reliable indicator of neurological and visual impairment. 16.6% affected eyes in the present study had intact colour vision and 83.34% had impaired colour vision.