Optical Coherence Tomography Applications in Neurological and Ophthalmic Disorders

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as a pivotal imaging modality in both ophthalmology and neurology, providing high-resolution, cross-sectional visualisation of retinal and optic nerve structures. In ophthalmic practice, spectral-domain and swept-source OCT facilitate early detection and longitudinal monitoring of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and glaucomatous optic neuropathy through quantitative assessment of retinal layer thickness and optic disc parameters. In parallel, OCT and its functional extension, OCT angiography (OCTA), have demonstrated growing utility as surrogate markers for central nervous system pathology. Measurements of the retinal nerve fibre layer, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer and microvascular plexi furnish insights into trans-synaptic degeneration, neuroinflammatory activity and microvascular compromise in multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and related demyelinating conditions. By translating subtle retinal changes into quantifiable biomarkers, OCT techniques support differential diagnosis, gauge disease progression and potentially predict therapeutic response, underscoring their global significance for patient management and multispecialty research.

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Optical Coherence Tomography Applications in Neurological and Ophthalmic Disorders publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in optical coherence tomography applications in neurological and ophthalmic disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique that uses low-coherence light to generate high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve.

OCT angiography (OCTA): An extension of OCT that detects motion contrast from blood flow, enabling visualization of retinal and choroidal microvasculature without dye injection.

Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL): The innermost layer of the retina, composed of ganglion cell axons, often measured to assess neurodegeneration.

Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL): A combined measure of the ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer, used to evaluate retinal neuronal integrity.

Superficial capillary plexus (SCP): A network of retinal capillaries located in the inner retina, commonly assessed in OCTA studies.

Deep capillary plexus (DCP): A layer of retinal microvessels situated below the SCP, reflecting deeper retinal perfusion.

Radial peripapillary capillary (RPC): The vascular network adjacent to the optic disc, often quantified to study optic nerve head circulation.

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD): A demyelinating disorder characterised by antibodies against MOG, presenting with optic neuritis and other CNS inflammation.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD): An inflammatory disorder of the optic nerves and spinal cord, often associated with aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G antibodies.

Optic neuritis (ON): Inflammation of the optic nerve leading to acute visual loss and characteristic OCT features, frequently occurring in demyelinating diseases.

References

1. Optical coherence tomography angiography measurements in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Neuroinflammation (2023).
2. Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: Revolutionizing Clinical Diagnostics and Treatment in Central Nervous System Disease. Aging and Disease (2024).
3. Retinal structural and microvascular changes in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: An OCT/OCTA study. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
4. Lesions in the Posterior Visual Pathway Promote Trans-Synaptic Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells. PLOS ONE (2014).
5. Optical coherence tomography in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: potential advantages for individualized monitoring of progression and therapy. EPMA Journal (2017).