Eye Scan Predicts Faster Progression in Primary MS

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Key Takeaway

A thinner optic nerve layer seen on OCT predicts faster disability and more brain and spinal cord shrinkage in people with primary progressive MS.

What They Found

Doctors used a painless eye scan called OCT to measure layers of the retina, the tissue at the back of the eye. People with primary progressive MS who had a thinner peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) — think of this as the eye’s wiring — were more likely to get worse faster than those with thicker wiring. Those with thin pRNFL lost retinal tissue faster over time and also showed more brain shrinkage and smaller spinal cord area on MRI scans. The study measured how fast these layers thinned each year and found much faster thinning in the thinner-pRNFL group, similar to how a frayed cable fails sooner than a sturdy one. Overall, the eye scan result (pRNFL ≤ 87 µm) was linked to a higher chance of confirmed disability worsening within about two years.

Who Should Care and Why

People with primary progressive MS should care because an easy, quick eye scan (OCT) might help predict who will get worse sooner — like an early warning light on a car dashboard. Caregivers can use this information to plan for extra help or therapy earlier, for example arranging physical therapy or support at home if the scan suggests faster progression. Neurologists and MS clinics may use OCT as another tool alongside MRI to watch disease course and decide whether to change treatments or increase monitoring. Patients thinking about joining clinical trials should know OCT findings might be used to choose participants or measure treatment effects, so sharing scan results could be helpful. Even if your symptoms feel stable, a thin optic nerve layer could signal more hidden change happening in the brain and spine, prompting closer follow-up.

Important Considerations

This study looked back at existing patient records, which can show links but can’t prove cause-and-effect — we can’t be sure thin pRNFL causes faster worsening. The group was fairly small (69 people), so results should be confirmed in larger studies before changing treatment decisions based only on OCT. Also, OCT measures can be affected by past eye problems or technical differences between machines, so your doctor will consider the whole clinical picture, not just the eye scan.

Categories:

MS Diagnostics MS Progression Clinical Trials

Article Topics:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)PPMSpRNFL

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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