Examination of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with methamphetamine use disorder

Abstract

Objective

In our study, we aimed to examine Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) findings in patients diagnosed with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) by comparing them with healthy controls.

Methods

Sixty-five people were included in our study and 130 eyes were evaluated; 33 cases were included in the patient group with MUD according to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and 32 as the healthy control group. Detailed biomicroscopic examinations and then both eyes were evaluated through OCT by the same ophthalmologist.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the patient and control groups in terms of gender and age (p > 0.05). When the OCT findings were evaluated, the measurements of the patients in any quadrant for retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) were not statistically different from the control group (p > 0.05). Macula and choroidal layer thickness did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Only right intraocular pressure was found to be decreased in the patient group (p = 0.026).

Conclusions

There are a limited number of studies examining OCT findings in patients with MUD. Visual symptoms and intraocular pressure should be considered when evaluating patients with MUD and planning their treatment. In addition; in order for OCT findings to gain importance, which can be used as an effective method to show the possible neurodegeneration that may occur in substance use disorder, it should be supported with further research.

Keywords:

• methamphetamine use disorder
• optic coherence tomography
• retinal nerve fiber layer thickness
• intraocular pressure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.