In vivo assessment of optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma rat model using diffusion tensor imaging

Abstract

Glaucoma is a chronic disease characterized by gradual visual field loss, cupping of the optic nerve head, and irreversible loss of retinal ganglion cells and axons. In this study, we hypothesized that diffusion tensor imaging can detect and characterize optic nerve (ON) degeneration in an established rat glaucoma model. Our results showed increased radial diffusivity and decreased FA over time largely caused by the decrease in ON axon density, while axial diffusivity remained unchanged. Such MRI approach is potentially valuable for assessing ON integrity in glaucoma patients and understanding the pathophysiological cascades involved in this disease.