OCT measurements in neurodevelopmental conditions
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

The authors aimed to investigate what changes occur in the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) and macula when specific learning disorder (SLD) comorbidity is added to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They compared measures in three groups: 40 with both disorders, 40 with ADHD only and 40 controls. Children were aged 7–10 years (mean 9.2 ±2.3 years). The study included 240 eyes of the 120 children. There were no significant differences for right vs left eyes in or between groups. Whilst non-significant, the RNFL between groups was observed to being thinner in all quadrants of cases with both disorders. The same was noted for GCL and macular thickness. However, the authors conclude that OCT findings are not sufficient to infer changes in ocular or brain anatomy in comorbid SLD and ADHD. Whilst OCT may be useful in the assessment and follow-up of neurodegenerative conditions, its use is questionable for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Evaluation of retinal nerve fibre layer, ganglion cell thickness and macular thickness in children with comorbid specific learning disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Tonkaz GY, Ozyurt G, Cakir A, et al.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY AND STRABISMUS
2024;61(2):128–36.