In a study that investigated the relationship between OCT parameters and long-term visual outcomes following optic chiasm decompression surgery, researchers found that preoperative RNFL thickness was associated with long-term visual recovery. The prospective cohort study included 239 patients (mean age 52 ±16 years) who had undergone pituitary or parasellar tumor resection between January 2009 and December 2018. 

Pre- and post-op assessments included best-corrected visual acuity, visual fields, OCT RNFL thickness, macular thickness and volume. Long-term improvements (assessed at 24 months post-op) in visual field recovery and maintenance were defined as a mean deviation greater than -3; for visual acuity, this was defined as Snellen 20/20. Multiple analyses showed that increased superior and inferior RNFL thickness (per 10μm) were associated with higher odds of long-term visual field recovery and maintenance.

The researchers developed a multivariate risk prediction model that they say may assist with preoperative patient counseling and prognoses.