Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in recovered and persistent amblyopia

[Correlation of chorioretinal parameters with anatomical, optical and functional indicators of eyes with amblyopia of various origins]

Purpose. To measure thickness of the central retina and choroid, retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell complex in the macular region, retinal nerve fiber layer in the peripapillary region in eyes with various types of amblyopia, and to analyze its relationship with best corrected visual acuity, refraction and axial eye length.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 50 patients aged 5 to 16 years (mean age 10.04±3.01 years). All patients were divided into 6 groups: 1 - relative amblyopia with congenital myopia (23 eyes); 2 - dysbinocular amblyopia (14 eyes); 3 - refractive amblyopia (16 eyes); 4 - anisometropic amblyopia (7 eyes); 5 - paired eyes of patients with amblyopia (20 eyes); 6 - control group (20 eyes). Chorioretinal parameters were determined using the RS-3000 Advance 2 spectral optical coherence tomography system («Nidek», Japan). Correlation analysis was performed using the Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (r). The level of significance of the differences was determined by the standard Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Morphological changes in the sensory and choroid membranes of the eye were revealed in groups with amblyopia of various origins compared to the control group, as well as in the fellow eyes. Intergroup comparison showed the presence of more significant disorders in refractive and relative amblyopia due to congenital myopia. Correlation analysis showed that structural changes in the posterior pole are more related to the anatomical and optical parameters of the eyes.

CONCLUSION

Optical coherence tomography allows detection of microscopic structural anomalies in the posterior pole of the eye in amblyopia of various origins, assists in differential diagnosis of this condition with organic pathology, and - most importantly - helps peer deeper into the pathogenesis of this disease.

Assessment of Foveal Avascular Zone and Macular Vascular Plexus Density in Children With Unilateral Amblyopia: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To examine the quantitative measurements of OCTA in children with amblyopia using the meta-analysis methodology. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched for available papers up to March 2021. Weighted mean differences (WMD) were used to compare the retina parameters between the eyes with amblyopia and the contralateral eyes or healthy control eyes. Results: Twelve studies were included. When considering the parafovea, the microvessel density was reduced in amblyopic eyes compared with healthy control eyes in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in 6 × 6 volume scan (WMD = -2.12, 95%CI: -3.24, -0.99) but not SCP in 3 × 3 volume scan (WMD = -1.43, 95%CI: -2.96, 0.11). In the deep capillary plexus (DCP), amblyopia did not decrease vessel density in the 6 × 6 volume scan (WMD = -2.22, 95%CI: -5.86, 1.42; I ² = 79.6%, P = 0.008), but a difference was observed in the whole eye 3 × 3 (WMD = -1.95, 95%CI: -3.23, -0.67; I ² = 27.5%, P = 0.252). There were no significant differences in the foveal avascular zone area and foveal thickness between amblyopic eyes and healthy control eyes. There were no significant differences in microvessel density, foveal avascular zone area, and foveal thickness between amblyopic eyes and fellow eyes. Conclusion: According to OCTA, amblyopic eyes had lower vessel density in parafoveal SCP and DCP compared with healthy control eyes, but not compared with fellow eyes. There were no significant differences regarding the foveal avascular zone area and foveal thickness between amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes.

Retinal oximetry in normal and amblyopic children: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To study the retinal vascular oxygen saturation in amblyopic eyes and compare them to unaffected fellow eyes and eyes of normal subjects.

METHODS

A total of 32 amblyopic, 24 normal and 13 fellow eyes of patients below age of 18 were enrolled in this prospective observation study. Retinal oximetry was performed using the Oxymap T1 retinal oximeter. Retinal vascular oxygen saturations and diameters were compared between amblyopic eyes, normal eyes and unaffected fellow eyes.

RESULTS

The average age was 8.6 years in the amblyopia group (M:F 16:16) and 10.9 years in the normal group (M:F 7:5; p = 0.024). Median corrected distance visual acuity in the amblyopia group was 20/50; it was 20/20 in the other groups (p < 0.001). The average arteriolar and venous saturation in the amblyopia, normal and fellow group was 84.5% (95% CI: 82.6-86.4), 83.2% (95% CI: 80.7-85.6) and 80.8% (95% CI: 78.6-82.9) and 51.9% (95% CI: 50.4-53.4), 50.8% (95% CI: 48.2-53.4) and 49.3% (95% CI: 45.7-52.9). There was no statistically significant difference between the saturation values of the amblyopia group and the controls, however, significantly higher values were found in the amblyopia group compared to the fellow group for arteriolar and venous saturations (p = 0.013; p = 0.005). Arteriolar and venous diameters showed no significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSION

Amblyopic eyes showed higher mean oxygen saturations than the fellow eyes. This observation could be due to altered neuronal activity or could be due to a measurement artefact due to alterations in retinal reflectivity.

Imaging Amblyopia: Insights from Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

Amblyopia refers to visual impairment resulting from perturbations in visual experience during visual development, typically secondary to strabismus, uncorrected refractive error, and/or deprivation. Amblyopia has traditionally been considered a cortical disease, but the depth of our understanding of this complex neurodevelopmental condition is limited by our ability to appreciate structural pathophysiology in the visual pathway. Recent advances in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have facilitated numerous studies of the structural changes in the retina and optic nerve, thereby expanding our appreciation for the pathogenesis of this condition. In this review, we summarize findings from studies evaluating retinal, retinal nerve fiber layer, and choroidal thickness changes in patients with amblyopia. Focusing on the largest and most recent studies, we discuss common limitations and confounding variables in these studies. We summarize recent advances in ocular imaging technology and reconcile the findings of early histological reports with those of structural OCT in amblyopia.

Macular Thickness, Foveal Volume, and Choroidal Thickness in Amblyopic Eyes and Their Relationships to the Treatment Outcome

Purpose

To assess the correlations between the retinal/choroidal structure and the treatment outcomes of amblyopic children.

Methods

This study enrolled eyes with amblyopia resulting from strabismus, anisometropia, or ametropia. All patients underwent detailed eye examinations, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scan. All of the subjects received amblyopic treatment and were divided into 2 groups after 6 months of follow-up: the recovered amblyopic group with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥0.8 and the persistent amblyopic group with a BCVA <0.8 on the Landolt C chart.

Results

Forty-four amblyopic children were included, of which 26 were in the recovered amblyopic group after 6 months of follow-up. The patients with strabismic anisometropic amblyopia and severe amblyopia (initial VA ≤ 0.3) were significantly predisposed to developing persistent amblyopia (P=0.049 and P < 0.001, respectively). After correcting with Littmann's formula, the thickness and volume of the parafoveal and perifoveal retinal regions in the persistent amblyopia group did not show significant differences with the recovered amblyopia group.

Conclusions

The initial severity of amblyopia and the type of amblyopia were the risk factors related to the poor outcome of amblyopic treatment. The foveal thickness, foveal volume, and choroidal thickness were not associated with the treatment outcome.

CAN Optical Coherence Tomography redefine amblyopia?

Introduction: For many years, amblyopia was regarded as a disorder of the visual system in which an organic cause could not be identified. Optical Coherence Tomography opens new horizons in understanding the etiopathology of amblyopia and seems to highlight morphologic anomalies in the retina of the amblyopic eye.

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to analyze the macular thickness, optic nerve changes, and choroidal thickness found in patients diagnosed with amblyopia based on trials reported in the literature.

Material and methods: This study analyzes 30 clinical trials regarding amblyopia evaluation with Optical Coherence Tomography. The research articles analyzed were published between 2006 - 2016 and were identified on PubMed database.

Results: 19 research studies focused on macular and nerve optic changes, 7 on choroidal changes and 6 on retinal changes after occlusion. The results were discussed according to the type of amblyopia, alteration of macular thickness, optic nerve changes, ganglion cell layer changes, and alteration of choroidal thickness.

Conclusions: The results are of great variability, and it seems that macula and choroid involvement is more frequently suggested compared with optic nerve involvement.

Abbreviations: OCT = Optical Coherence Tomography, RNFL = Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, GCC = Ganglion Cell Complex, ACD = Anterior Chamber Depth, BCVA = Best Corrected Visual Acuity

Evaluation of the retinal ganglion cell and choroidal thickness in young Turkish adults with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia

The purpose of this study is to compare the choroidal thickness (CT) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness of the normal fellow eyes and the amblyopic eyes using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in young Turkish adults with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia. Patients with unilateral hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia were enrolled and underwent a full ophthalmological assessment, including best-corrected visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, and axial length (AL) measurements. Cirrus EDI-OCT was used to obtain subfoveal CT, GCC thickness, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements. Comparison was performed between the amblyopic eyes and the normal fellow eyes. Forty-three hyperopic anisometropic amblyopic patients were enrolled in this study. Mean age of 23 female and 20 male patients was 24.8 ± 7.4 years. Mean AL was 21.9 ± 1.3 and 22.4 ± 0.9 mm in amblyopic and fellow eyes, respectively (P < 0.05). Mean subfoveal CT measurements were 325.4 ± 44.2 and 317.9 ± 42.7 µ in amblyopic and fellow eyes, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). Mean GCC thickness was 83.8 ± 3.6 µ in amblyopic eyes and 83.5 ± 3.9 µ in the fellow eyes. Statistically significant difference was not seen between the groups (P > 0.05). Mean RNFL and mean CMT measurements were also similar in two groups (P > 0.05). Subfoveal CT, CMT, RNFL, and GCC thickness measurements were not statistically significant between hyperopic anisometropic amblyopic eyes and normal fellow eyes.

Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer and Macular Thicknesses in Adults with Hyperopic Anisometropic Amblyopia

Objectives. This study compared the macular and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thicknesses and optic nerves of eyes with reduced vision due to anisometropia with the contralateral healthy eyes in adults using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Atatürk State Hospital, Sinop, Turkey. Macular and RNFL thicknesses, optic nerve disc area, cup area, and horizontal and vertical cup-to-disc ratios obtained using a NIDEK RS-3000 SLO spectral domain OCT device were compared between the amblyopic and fellow eyes in 30 adults with anisometropic amblyopia 18–55 years old who were seen in our clinic with unilateral poor vision. Results. The mean macular thickness was 266.90 ± 23.22 µm in the amblyopic eyes and 263.90 ± 22.84 µm in the fellow eyes, and the mean RNFL thickness was 111.90 ± 12.9 and 109.70 ± 9.42 µm, respectively. The two thicknesses did not differ significantly between the amblyopic and fellow eyes. There were also no significant differences between the eyes in disc area, cup area, and horizontal-vertical cup/disc ratios. Conclusion. There does not seem to be a difference in macular thickness, peripapillary RNFL, or optic disc structures between the amblyopic and fellow eyes in adults.

Meta-analysis of retinal changes in unilateral amblyopia using optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To evaluate retinal changes in unilateral amblyopia using optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

Major literature databases were searched for relevant studies. The primary outcome parameters were foveal minimum thickness (FMT), mean foveal thickness (MFT), mean macular thickness (MMT), and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness. Efficacy estimates were evaluated by standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for changes in the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 28 clinical trials involving 408 patients .The FMT, MFT, and MMT in the amblyopic eyes was significantly greater than that of the fellow eyes (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.39, p = 0.011; SMD = 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.36, p = 0.005; SMD = 0.21, 95% CI 0.08-0.35, p = 0.002, respectively). Only FMT was significantly increased in the amblyopia group compared with the normal control group (SMD = 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.57, p&lt;0.00001). Analysis showed that pRNFL thickness in the amblyopic eyes was thicker than in the fellow eyes (SMD = 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.24, p = 0.016). We did not find that those outcome measures differ between strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled evidence indicates that the amblyopic process may involve the retina, especially the macula. A thicker foveola was found in the amblyopic eyes when compared with visually normal control eyes. Further larger-scale studies especially involving emmetropic normal subjects will be valuable.

Macular and retinal nerve fiber thickness in recovered and persistent amblyopia

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of increased macular or retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in amblyopic eyes, find if the increased macular or RNFLT is related to the lack of response in amblyopic eyes, and to explore whether the increased central macular thickness (CMT) in amblyopic eyes is purely related to the hyperopia. This is a prospective descriptive study. CMT and peripapillary RNFLT were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography to evaluate 60 patients with unilateral-treated amblyopia (median age 11.00 year). Patients were divided into two groups: 33 patients in recovered amblyopia group and 27 patients in persistent amblyopia group. The mean CMT in the recovered group was 247.31 (±23.4) versus 246.8 (±32.7) µm (p = 0.95) for the persistent group. The mean peripapillary RNFLT was 99.13 (±12.1) versus 99.9 (±14.9) µm (p = 0.85) for the persistent group. In anisometropic amblyopia, there was no significant difference in CMT and RNFLT in either group. Also there was no relation between the type of refractive error and CMT or RNFLT. There was no significant difference in CMT and RNFLT in amblyopic eyes for both the recovered amblyopia group and the persistent amblyopia group to explain the lack of response in persistent amblyopic eyes. Additionally there was no relation between the type of refractive error and CMT or peripapillary RNFLT.

A comparison between amblyopic and fellow eyes in unilateral amblyopia using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Purpose

To compare the macular retinal thickness and characteristics of optic nerve head (ONH) parameters in amblyopic and fellow eyes in patients with unilateral amblyopia.

Patients and methods

A total of 21 patients with unilateral amblyopia (14 patients with anisometropic amblyopia, four patients with strabismic amblyopia, and three patients with both) were examined using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The mean age of the patients was 8.5±3.5 years. The examined parameters included the mean macular (full, inner, and outer), ganglion cell complex and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thicknesses, and ONH parameters (rim volume, nerve head volume, cup volume, rim area, optic disc area, cup area, and cup-to-disc area ratio).

Results

The amblyopic eyes were significantly more hyperopic than the fellow eyes (P<0.001). Among the macular retinal thickness parameters, the cpRNFL thickness (P<0.01), macular full retinal thickness (3 mm region) (P<0.01), and macular outer retinal thickness (1 and 3 mm regions) (P<0.05) were significantly thicker in the amblyopic eyes than in the fellow eyes, while the ganglion cell complex thickness, macular full retinal thickness (1 mm region), and macular inner retinal thickness (1 and 3 mm regions) were not significantly different. Among the ONH parameters, the rim area was significantly larger and the cup-to-disc area ratio was smaller in the amblyopic eyes than in the fellow eyes (P<0.05). None of the other ONH parameters were significantly different between the investigated eyes. The differences in the cpRNFL thickness and macular outer retinal thickness in the 1 mm region were significantly correlated with the difference in axial length (P<0.05, r=−0.48; P<0.01, r=−0.59, respectively) and refractive error (P<0.05, r=0.50; P<0.01, r=0.60, respectively). The other parameters were not significantly related to the difference in axial length, refractive error, or best corrected visual acuity.

Conclusion

We found significant differences in some of the morphological measurements between amblyopic and fellow eyes that appear to be independent of abnormalities in the visual cortex.

Structural and functional comparison of the persistent and resolved amblyopia

PURPOSE

To assess structural or functional differences of the retina among subjects with persistent and resolved amblyopia.

METHODS

Fourteen eyes with persistent amblyopia that did not reach normal visual acuity (VA) levels (≤0.1 LogMAR) despite amblyopia treatment, 18 eyes with resolved amblyopia, and 16 eyes of 16 normal subjects were included. All subjects underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT), pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP), and pattern electroretinography (PERG) evaluation.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in foveal thickness, foveal volume, macular volume, ganglion cell layer thickness, and total and sectorial retinal nerve fiber layer measurements among three groups (p > 0.05). Foveolar thickness was significantly increased in both resolved and persistent amblyopia groups compared with the control group (p = 0.031). However, there was no difference between amblyopic groups (p = 0.98). Although, in the PVEP study, N75 implicit time was found significantly prolonged in both amblyopia groups (p = 0.046), there were no significant differences in P100 implicit time and amplitude among the groups (p > 0.05). PERG amplitude of the persistent group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in P50, N95 implicit times among groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the only significant difference between persistent and resolved amblyopia groups was the initial VA. Neither OCT nor electrophysiological examinations were found to be useful in order to explain why some cases were resistant to the treatment for amblyopia.

Anomalous relation between axial length and retinal thickness in amblyopic children

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between retinal thickness and axial length in amblyopic eyes compared to healthy eyes.

METHODS

In this observational, transversal study, 36 amblyopic children and 30 healthy controls underwent full ophthalmological and orthoptic examinations, volume scanning of the macula with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (3D OCT-1000; Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), and measuring of axial length using the IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). The average pericentral retinal thickness was calculated.

RESULTS

A strong correlation was observed between the axial lengths of both eyes in the control group (R = 0.98, P < 0.01) and between the axial lengths of the amblyopic and fellow eye in the amblyopic group (R = 0.77, P < 0.01); the amblyopic and their fellow eyes were significantly shorter than the nonamblyopic control eyes. The pericentral retinal thickness of both eyes of an individual is highly correlated in nonamblyopic controls (R = 0.92, P < 0.01) and in amblyopic children (R = 0.82, P < 0.01). There is no significant difference in mean pericentral retinal thickness between healthy, amblyopic, and fellow eyes. In healthy eyes a moderate inverse correlation exists between axial length and pericentral retinal thickness (R = -0.41, P = 0.02); this relationship was not found in the amblyopic eyes or the normal fellow eye.

CONCLUSIONS

In this patient cohort, there was an anomalous relation between the axial length and the pericentral retinal thickness in both amblyopic and their fellow eyes.

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis

Diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) is a usually unilateral inflammatory disease characterized by an insidious, usually severe loss of peripheral and central vision. Clinical characteristics are manifested in early and late stages. Parasites of different sizes and several species of nematodes have been reported as the etiology of DUSN without conclusive evidence about the specific agent. Because serologic testing has been variable, the definitive diagnosis is made when the clinical characteristics of DUSN are found in conjunction with an intraocular worm. Laser photocoagulation, pars plana vitrectomy, thiabendazole, and albendazole have been used to treat DUSN with variable success.

Macular and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in unilateral anisometropic or strabismic amblyopia

PURPOSE

To compare the macular and nerve fiber layer thicknesses as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in amblyopic and fellow eyes.

METHODS

Fifty patients with monocular strabismic (n = 25) or anisometropic (n = 25) amblyopia (best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranging from 20/40 to 20/400) were included in a prospective cross-sectional descriptive study. A refractive error more than 5 diopters in either eye or an axial length difference between the eyes of more than 1 mm was excluded in the anisometropic group. In all cases, the thickness of the macular area and the peripapillary nerve fiber layer were measured by OCT in both amblyopic and fellow eyes and compared with each other.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 10 ± 3.1 years (range: 6 to 18 years) in the anisometropic group and 8.9 ± 3.7 years (range: 6 to 18 years) in the strabismic group. In the anisometropic group, the mean macular thickness was significantly increased in the amblyopic eyes (222.6 ± 47.8 μm) versus the fellow eyes (205.6 ± 33.3 μm) (P = .002), although there was no significant difference observed when comparing with the prepapillary nerve fiber layer (P = .55). There was no significant correlation of above-mentioned matters in the strabismic group (P = .07 and .52).

CONCLUSION

A thicker macula was found in anisometropic amblyopic eyes, but the increase of macular thickness in strabismic amblyopic eyes was not significant. Retinal involvement was not observed in the peripapillary nerve fiber layer of amblyopic eyes.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia using optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of eyes with amblyopia using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

RNFL thickness measurements obtained by time-domain OCT of amblyopic eyes of patients with strabismus (35 patients) and patients with anisometropia (30 patients) were compared with their fellow eyes and age- and gender-matched healthy eyes (40 participants). RNFL thickness values of the groups were also compared and the correlation between RNFL thickness and refraction was evaluated.

RESULTS

In the strabismic and anisometropic groups, there were no statistically significant differences in average RNFL thickness between amblyopic eyes and their fellow eyes (P > .05). Temporal RNFL quadrant in the hypermetropic anisometropic group, and superior RNFL quadrant in the myopic anisometropic group were significantly thinner in amblyopic eyes compared to their fellow eyes (P < .05). RNFL thickness did not differ between strabismic amblyopic, anisometropic amblyopic, and control eyes (P > .05). In the anisometropic group, a significant correlation was found between mean RNFL thickness and refraction (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Amblyopia is not associated with a decrease in RNFL thickness in strabismic or anisometropic amblyopia. In the anisometropic group, the inter-eye differences in RNFL thickness parameters seemed to be related to the refraction differences between the amblyopic eyes and their fellow eyes.[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50:113-117.].

Visual outcome in isoametropic amblyopic children with high hyperopia and the effect of therapy on retinal thickness

PURPOSE

To assess correlations between associated factors and treatment outcome of isoametropic amblyopia attributable to high hyperopia in children and to evaluate changes in retinal thickness during amblyopic treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective (visual outcome) and prospective (retinal thickness) study.

METHODS

Isoametropic (spherical equivalent ≥5.00 diopters in both eyes) amblyopic subjects (n = 217) with corrected visual acuity (VA) ≤0.5 (20/40) for children <5 years old and VA ≤0.6 (20/32) for children 6-10 years old were included. Sixty-nine of these children had refractive accommodative esotropia. All subjects were treated by full-time wearing of optical correction. The magnitude of spherical equivalent hyperopia, age at first treatment, VA, treatment duration, and binocular alignment were analyzed. Thicknesses of the retinal macula and nerve fiber layer were measured using optical coherence tomography in selected amblyopic children (n = 27) during treatment and in control subjects (n = 31).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 28.8 months. The age at first optical correction ranged from 3 to 10 years. The mean VA improved from 0.38 to 0.82, with 74.7% having acuity ≥0.8 and 28.6% having acuity ≥1.0. VA improvement was positively correlated with duration of treatment and negatively correlated with age at first correction. Foveal thickness slightly decreased after treatment; however, it was not correlated with visual improvement.

CONCLUSION

Visual acuity of isoametropic amblyopia improved satisfactorily with spectacle correction and vision therapy. Treatment duration had the greatest impact on VA improvement. Age at first correction also influenced VA improvement but was not a good clinical predictor. Foveal thinning occurring with treatment was not correlated with visual improvement.

Measurement of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, macular thickness, and foveal volume in amblyopic eyes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

Although the changes in the anatomy of the visual cortex and lateral geniculate nucleus as the result of amblyopia have been well documented, retinal involvement is still controversial. Time-domain optical coherence tomography with an axial resolution of 10 μm has been used to evaluate retinal and peripapillary tissues in amblyopic eyes with contradictory results. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography has a greater resolution (5-10 μm) and can determine retinal layers more precisely. Our purpose was assess by means of spectral domain optical coherence tomography whether the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, macular thickness, and foveal volume of the amblyopic and the fellow eyes differ in patients with unilateral amblyopia. Intereye differences in these parameters were found to be insignificant.