Alterations of Neuroretinal and Corneal Thickness in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose:To compare changes in macula, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) with age-matched healthy control group. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with a prospective, observational, cross-sectional design. The individuals participating in the study were divided into 2 groups: patients with a diagnosis of HT (group 1, n:54 eyes) and age-matched healthy participants (group 2, n:70 eyes). Corneal, retinal and macular thickness measured by optical coherence tomography. Mean outcome measurements were CCT, intra-ocular pressure (IOP), central 1 mm foveal thickness (CFT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), total macular volume (TMV), central 1 mm foveal volume (CFV), and RNFL thickness in superior, nasal, inferior and temporal quadrants. Results:The mean IOP was 17.07±2.34μm in group 1 and 14.20±2.76μm in group 2, respectively (p<0.001). Mean CCTs were 539.44±35.27μm and 555.06±40.53μm (p=0.001), CFTs were 227.35±17.52µm and 230.38±23.52µm (p=0.57), SFCT were 210,79±20,13µm and 268,47±24,56µm (p<0.001), TMVs were 7.16±0.35mm3 and 7.02±0.26mm3(p=0.07), CFVs were 0.17±0.01mm3 and 0.19±0.07mm3 (p=0.16) in group 1and group 2, respectively. RNFL thickness values were significantly thinner in the group 1(p<0.05) in all quadrants except for the nasal quadrant (p=0.086). Conclusion:Hypothyroidism secondary to HT may be a determining factor affecting the development of the cornea and retina. Elevated IOP and decrement of RNFL thickness in children with HT increased the risk of developing glaucoma, as well as decreased SFCT may predispose to the development of chorioretinal disorders in the future