Central and peripheral retinal degeneration with degeneration of the brain

We investigated a range of structural and functional measurements using novel and conventional imaging modalities. These included habitual visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT-angiography, adaptive optics, and ultra-widefield imaging. Changes in retinal structure and function were compared among patients with MS, eyes with and without a history of optic neuritis, and healthy controls.Results from the BEAMS study replicated several previous findings, showing a thinning of inner retinal layers in patients with MS compared to controls.

For the first time, they provided information on the outer retina, including a significant decrease in cone outer-segment density that may underpin functional CS deficits.In conclusion, our work uncovered previously unreported structural and functional changes in the retina that could become biomarkers for MS monitoring. This work also established the foundation for research with larger participant numbers to investigate these changes with disease progression and disability.<br><br><i>This thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2029.</i>