Progressive Neurodegeneration of the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

The purpose of this investigation was to prospectively evaluate the structure and functional changes over time in the visual and central nervous system in veterans with a history of mild traumatic brain injury compared to agematched control group of veterans. There is concern for progressive neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury leading to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), resulting in dementia, depression and suicide. We have prospectively evaluated veterans for structural (OCT) and functional changes (acuity, contrast sensitivity and visual field) over time in the visual system and central nervous system (neurobehavioral tests and structural and functional MRI). Here we report the results of retinal layer evaluation.