Assessment of macular parameters and retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in subjects with unilateral amblyopia using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Dr. Nandita  Chaturvedi; Dr. Krishna  Kuldeep; Dr. Shailly  Raj

doi:10.51168/9csyte96

Authors

Dr. Nandita Chaturvedi Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Author
Dr. Krishna Kuldeep Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Author
Dr. Shailly Raj Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/9csyte96

Keywords:

Amblyopia, cross-sectional study, macular thickness, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Background:

Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental visual disorder characterized by reduced best-corrected visual acuity without an evident structural ocular abnormality. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) provides an objective assessment of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular parameters that could support clinical evaluation.

Objective:

To assess macular parameters and RNFL thickness in subjects with unilateral amblyopia using SD-OCT.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study included 150 consecutive subjects aged 5-45 years with unilateral amblyopia at the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida. BCVA, refractive status, RNFL thickness, and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed and compared between amblyopic and fellow eyes.

Results:

The mean age was 12.3 ± 3.6 years; 84 (56.0%) subjects were male. Amblyopic eyes had poorer BCVA than fellow eyes (0.61 ± 0.13 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03; p < 0.001), higher spherical equivalent (+2.48 ± 1.00 vs. +1.75 ± 0.88; p = 0.03), greater mean RNFL thickness (105.2 ± 9.6 µm vs. 100.0 ± 8.5 µm; p = 0.02), and higher CMT (265.6 ± 15.1 µm vs. 253.2 ± 14.5 µm; p = 0.001). BCVA showed a moderate positive correlation with RNFL thickness (r = 0.43; p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Unilateral amblyopia was associated with greater RNFL and central macular thickness in affected eyes, indicating measurable retinal structural alteration alongside visual dysfunction.

Recommendation:

SD-OCT should be considered an objective adjunct for documenting retinal parameters in unilateral amblyopia, and larger longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify prognostic relevance.

Author Biographies

Dr. Nandita Chaturvedi, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Her academic and clinical work is focused on ophthalmic evaluation, patient care, and research in ocular disorders.
Dr. Krishna Kuldeep, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is involved in clinical ophthalmology, teaching, departmental supervision, and research activities.
Dr. Shailly Raj, Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. Her professional activities include ophthalmic patient care, academic teaching, and clinical research.

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