Posted on 07/09/2023 10:53:24 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
A study conducted has demonstrated for the first time that the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be significantly improved by additionally measuring the thickness of retinal layers in the eye.
Use of the procedure, which is already available, helps to detect the condition at an earlier stage and predict its progression more accurately. This can lead to a decisive increase in the chance of improved patient outcomes.
As part of their investigation, the research team collaborated to examine 267 MS patients over a period of five years.
Their research builds on study results, which showed that MS relapse-related damage to the retina reflects the degree of damage caused to the patient's brain. The study also demonstrated that a 5 micrometer (µm) reduction in the thickness of the retinal layer following optic neuritis indicated a doubling of the risk of permanent disability after the next relapse. Thanks to the latest research, the research team has confirmed that the thickness of the retinal layer can be used as a precise biomarker to assist early diagnosis.
The researchers used a procedure known as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the thickness of the retinal layer. An imaging method that uses infrared light, OCT allows for the generation of high-resolution, three-dimensional images of extremely thin layers of tissue measuring just a few micrometers (1 µm is 1/1,000th of a millimeter). OCT is also a tool for diagnosing and evaluating the progression of eye diseases such as glaucoma.
"So we already have this procedure at our disposal," commented Gabriel Bsteh. He added, "If we use optical coherence tomography alongside the current criteria to diagnose MS, we obtain significantly more accurate results at a much earlier stage. This means we can initiate treatment measures sooner, which considerably improves the long-term prognosis for patients."
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
This would be worth telling your ophthalmologist.
Thanks for posting. I just forwarded the article to a neighbor whose daughter has MS. It sounds like a useful biomarker for MS relapses.
Sure would be nice.
I used to have a great opthomologist for 30 years. Favorite doctor ever.
But, now I just have an optometrist - who works under an optho, at least.
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