OCT-derived biomarkers in optic disc pit maculopathy are associated with age, visual function and natural history.

Introduction Optic disc pit maculopathy (ODP-M) describes the variable intra- and/or subretinal fluid accumulation complicating a congenital optic disc anomaly that is primarily observed in young adults. This study aims to explore the morphological variance in ODP-M, in order to measure associations between demographic and functional characteristics and investigate the natural course of the disease. Methods A single-centre, retrospective, observational study was performed. Subjects with ODP-M were identified through electronic notes review. Demographic characteristics, visual acuity and anatomical features were analysed with respect to a predefined OCT-based sub-categorisation: type 1a: intraretinal fluid (IRF) only; type 1b: IRF + outer lamellar hole (OLH) +/- subretinal fluid (SRF); type 2: SRF +/- IRF (no OLH). Results 50 eyes (50 subjects) were sub-categorised according to fluid distribution into type 1a (34%), type 1b (28%) and type 2 ODP-M (38%). Those with type 2 were found to be significantly younger than those with types 1a/b ODP-M (p<0.001), and accounted for 93% of cases occurring in subjects ≤20-years-old. The presence of OLH (i.e. type 1b) was noted to be independently associated with worse final VA (p=0.013) and higher likelihood of proceeding to surgery (p=0.002). Discussion There appears to be an age-related variation in ODP-M morphology, indicating the possibility of separate pathoanatomical processes, with distinct clinical courses and potentially different optimal management strategies. Sub-categorisation of ODP-M according to the reported structural features may help guide management of this rare condition.