The Repeatability of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer and Macular Thickness Measurements Before and After Pupillary Dilation Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of pupillary dilation on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular retinal thickness measurements when using optical coherence tomography (OCT-3). Materials and Methods: A randomly chosen single eye from each normal subject received peripapillary RNFL and macular retinal thickness measurements using OCT-3, by an experienced operator. Average thickness measurements before and after pupillary dilation were compared. Results: Forty-three eyes of 43 subjects (26 females and 17 males) were enrolled. The mean age of the subjects was 31.4±16.3 years (range, nine to 55 years). The mean pupil diameters before and after pupillary dilation were 4.6±0.4 (range, 3 to 6 mm) and 7.3±0.5 (range, 6 to 9 mm), respectively. Comparing the peripapillary RNFL and macular retinal thickness measurements from before and after pupillary dilation, there were no significant differences in superior, inferior, temporal or nasal peripapillary areas; in 6 mm total macular volume and foveal thickness; and in 1 mm, 3 mm and 6 mm perifoveal areas. Conclusion: The peripapillary RNFL and macular retinal thickness measurements showed no significant differences before and after pupillary dilation when using OCT-3, in normal eyes.