AIM:To analyze the differences and correlations between ganglion cell complex(GCC), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)and mean defect(MD), mean sensitivity(MS)of visual field(VF)in craniopharyngioma patients, to evaluate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography(OCT)in diagnosis of the visual pathway damage of craniopharyngioma patients.

METHODS:Ninety-five craniopharyngioma patients treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, from September 2014 to April 2015 received the VF test by Octopus 900 automated perimeter with the central 30 degree program and the mean thickness measurements of GCC and pRNFL by RTVue OCT. Spearman rank correlation coefficient(r_s)was used to assess the correlation between GCC, pRNFL and MD, MS. The changes of VF and optic disc were analyzed.

RESULTS: Abnormal pRNFL findings occurred in 53.1%(93/175), which included optic disk edema 3.4%(6/175), atrophic changes of optic nerve 47.4%(83/175)and glaucoma-like optic neuropathy 7.4%(13/175). Various visual field defect was 71.4%(125/175). The average thickness of binocular pRNFL(r_sOD=-0.411, r_sOS=-0.354)and GCC(r_sOD=-0.400, r_sOS=-0.314)had correlation with MD(P<0.01). The average thickness of pRNFL(r_sOD=0.412, r_sOS=0.342)and GCC(r_sOD=0.414, r_sOS=0.299)had correlation with MS(P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: The average thickness of pRNFL and GCC has correlation with VF damage, can evaluate the optic nerve damage of craniopharyngioma patients quantitatively. The thinner the thickness of pRNFL and GCC is, the serious damage of visual function is. During the clinical work, visual field test combined with OCT are helpful to find and assess the damage of visual pathway and prognosis.