Disorganization of the retinal inner layers as a prognostic factor in eyes with central retinal artery occlusion

AIM: To evaluate baseline foveal disorganisation of retinal inner layers (DRIL) as a prognostic factor in eyes with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). METHODS: Twenty-eight CRAO patients who were followed-up between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Demographic characteristics and detailed ophthalmological examination findings of all patients were recorded. Macular thicknesses (MTs) from 5 separate spots and DRIL were measured with spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Correlations between DRIL score and logMAR converted visual acuity (VA), change in VA, patient reference time (RT), number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions, MT and MT change were investigated. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the DRIL score and the final VA (r=0.787) and a negative correlation with the change in VA (r=-0.763). The RT and MT were closely related to the DRIL score. A negative correlation was found between the number of HBOT sessions and the DRIL score (r=-0.341). CONCLUSION: The DRIL score is a parameter assessed by SD-OCT, which can provide us reliable information regarding the prognosis of visual functions and response to the treatment for CRAO patients at acute phase.