AAO Report Links Retinal OCT Thinning to MS Progression Risk

An American Academy of Ophthalmology literature review of 21 studies evaluated whether OCT measures of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer predict disease activity in adults with multiple sclerosis or MS precursor syndromes. The review reports that lower baseline thickness, faster thickness decline, and larger interocular differences in these layers were associated with future MS progression as measured by disability, clinical relapses, and MRI changes, with multiple-variable models supporting an independent association. The authors state further research is needed on generalizability across diverse cohorts, comparability across OCT manufacturers, and how OCT findings should be interpreted alongside other predictors such as MRI.

Most relevant for: Adults with multiple sclerosis or MS precursor syndromes such as radiologically or clinically isolated syndrome, particularly in settings assessing risk of future disease progression.

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