Eye as window to the brain: Retinal markers of progression in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with inflammatory and neurodegenerative components. Most sufferers experience progressive neurological deterioration (“progression”) over the course of the disease, which can significantly impair their quality of life. There is an urgent need for accurate/early markers of progression in MS. 

The retina of the eye offers fascinating possibilities in this regard: it is often affected early during the course of MS and it is the only part of the CNS that is easily accessible to us, using non-invasive imaging techniques (through the pupils). 

With this project we investigate retinal changes and the value of different retinal markers to predict progression in MS. We will assess the following markers: i) thinning of retinal axons and neurons, ii) stability of fixation and iii) changes in the diameters of retinal vessels. All markers are non-invasive and quick/patient-friendly; they capture different pathophysiological proccesses that probably contribute to progression of disability in MS. 

Our study aims at a better understanding of the mechanisms of progression in people with MS and to the early identification of patients at risk. The latter is very important, not only for therapeutic decisions in clinical practice (patient stratification), but also for studies with new, potentially neuroprotective therapies.