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 µm, superior 131.84±18.71 µm, temporal 78.49±12.91 µm, nasal 73.85±14.26 µm, and Inferior 133.87±18.58 µm. 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.