The use of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement in determining the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass procedures on the optic nerve

Abstract

Background: Our aim was to determine the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass procedures on the optic nerve by retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements. Methods: Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was measured using the GDx Nerve Fiber Analyser, 1 day before the surgery and on postoperative days 1, 5 and 30 in 20 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Results: Postoperative mean values for retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, except symmetry on the first day and except symmetry and superior nasal ratio on the fifth day, were statsitically decreased. Only the value for the inferior ratio was significantly lower at the end of the first month. Conclusions: Cardiopulmonary bypass procedures cause a temporary decrease in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness.

Keywords

cardiopulmonary bypass hypoxia optic neuropathy retinal nerve fiber layer thickness

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