Analysis of RNFL Thickness and Optic Nerve Head Measured with OCT in Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters with regard to age in children by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: We analyzed RNFL thickness and ONH parameters by using Stratus OCT Model 3000 (Zeiss-Humphrey) in two-hundred eyes of 100 children ranging in age from 5 to 14 years, with 5 males and 5 females for each age. RESULTS: The RNFL thicknesses for 100 children (200 eyes) in total were as follows Mean 104.67+/-9.07 micrometer, superior 131.84+/-18.71 micrometer, temporal 78.49+/-12.91 micrometer, nasal 73.85+/-14.26 micrometer, and Inferior 133.87+/-18.58 micrometer. The parameters of ONH for 100 children (200 eyes) in total were as follows optic disc area 2.80+/-0.21 mm2, rim area 1.85+/-0.28 mm2, cup to disc area ratio 0.34+/-0.08, horizontal cup to disc diameter ratio 0.47+/-0.11, and vertical cup to disc diameter ratio 0.49+/-0.11. In analyzed RNFL thickness and ONH according to age, there was a significant negative correlation among mean RNFL, inferior RNFL, and age (r=-0.258, p=0.000, r=-0.464, p=0.000). There was a significant positive correlation between nasal RNFL and age (r=0.135, p=0.028). There was a significant positive correlation between disc area and age (r=0.528, p=0.000). There was a significant negative correlation among the cup to disc area ratio, the horizontal cup to disc diameter ratio, the vertical cup to disc diameter ratio, and age (r=-0.170, p=0.008, r=-0.266, p=0.000, r=-0.155, p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: OCT can be used to measure RNFL thickness and ONH parameters in children. Age had an effect on RNFL thickness and ONH parameters in children.