Progressive inner nuclear layer dysfunction in non-optic neuritis eyes in MS

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate primary retinal functional changes in non-optic neuritis (ON) eyes of patients with MS by full-field electroretinography (ERG). METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with relapsing-remitting MS with no history of clinical ON in at least 1 eye and 30 healthy controls were recruited in the cohort study. Full-field ERGs were recorded, and retinal optical coherence tomography scans were performed to assess the thicknesses of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL). Annual MRI scans were also carried out to evaluate the disease activity in the brain. Patients were followed up for 3 years. RESULTS: = 0.001). However, no correlation was found between longitudinal ERG changes and disease activity in the brain. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated progressive inner nuclear layer dysfunction in MS. The borderline a-wave changes suggested some outer retinal dysfunction as well. The correlation between full-field ERG changes and retinal ganglion cell loss suggested that there might be subclinical retinal pathology in MS affecting both outer and inner retinal layers.