Macula and Optic Disc Characteristics in Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine Abusers Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract Purpose Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers were compared with healthy subjects using optical coherence tomography to assess their retinal nerve fiber layer, macula, and optic disc characteristics. Methods Forty-one Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers and 42 healthy subjects (mean ± SD of age: 35.82 ± 8.6 and 37.67 ± 9.1 years, respectively) were incorporated in this cross sectional study. The drug abusers had a history of at least five years of substance use through smoking. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography was used to image and assess the characteristics of retinal nerve fiber layer, macular thickness, and optic disc in the study groups. Results The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was significantly lower in the superior and temporal retinal quadrants of drug abusers than healthy subjects (P = 0.008 and P = 0.028, respectively). This study did not find a significant difference between drug abusers and healthy controls regarding optic to disc ratio, rim area, and disc area (P > 0.05). The comparison between the study groups showed that the reductions in perifovea and the superior quadrant of parafoveal thickness were statistically significant (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). Conclusion Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography measurements showed that the retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness were different between Methamphetamine and Crystal Methamphetamine abusers and healthy subjects, which should be considered in clinical practice. It seems that these drug abuses can cause alterations in retinal morphology.