Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Alterations after Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Mental Illness

ABSTRACTBackground: We hypothesized that the ongoing neurotrophic effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) might be detected in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods: This study was conducted using a prospective design. The RNFL thickness alterations of 18 psychiatric patients undergoing ECT were assessed using OCT. The results were compared with the RNFL thicknesses of 18 age and gender-matched healthy controls.Results: In the left eye, the average RNFL (p = 0.025), superior quadrant (p = 0.029), and nasal quadrant (p = 0.021) thicknesses were significantly increased after the last ECT treatment. In contrast to the right eye, the basal left-eye superior RNFL thickness (p = 0.038) and inferior quadrant (p = 0.007) thicknesses were significantly lower in the patients than in the healthy controls.Conclusion: Here, we have revealed a significant lateralized influence of ECT on the left-eye RNFL. However, larger case series should be conducted before interpret...