A new method of assessing retinal integrity can provide clues to the visual status of patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests.

This prospective, observational cohort study included data taken during 58 visits from 31 patients with a history of macular edema secondary to central or branch RVO. Patients received OCT scans and a complete eye exam, including contrast sensitivity testing.

Researchers reported the extent of retinal inner layer disorganization, central macular thickness, central foveal thickness and moderate cataract were significantly associated with worse contrast sensitivity.

“Disorganization of retinal inner layers is an imaging feature that has important implications for visual function,” the study authors concluded in their paper.