A 58-year-old diabetic patient undergoes spectral-domain OCT of the macula. The image shows disruption of the ellipsoid zone (IS/OS junction) with preservation of the outer nuclear layer. Which visual function correlates BEST with ellipsoid zone integrity on OCT?

• A Contrast sensitivity
• B Color vision
• C Visual field mean deviation
• D Best-corrected visual acuity ✓

Explanation

The ellipsoid zone (previously called IS/OS junction) on spectral-domain OCT represents the junction between the inner and outer segments of photoreceptors and is the best structural correlate of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Disruption of this highly reflective band indicates photoreceptor dysfunction and correlates strongly with BCVA loss. Contrast sensitivity, color vision, and visual field parameters are influenced by broader retinal and neural factors beyond the ellipsoid zone alone.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.