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Distribution of macular thickness by optical coherence tomography: findings from a population-based study of
Son C Huynh1, Xiu Ying Wang, Elena Rochtchina
1Department of Ophthalmology, the University of Sydney and the Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Insights
Macular thickness in young children is normally distributed, with boys and white children showing thicker maculas. Axial length and refraction significantly influence these measurements.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
Background:
- Macular thickness is a key indicator of retinal health.
- Understanding its distribution in children is crucial for early detection of eye conditions.
- Population-based data on pediatric macular parameters are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution of macular thickness in a population of young children.
- To investigate the influence of demographic (age, gender, ethnicity) and ocular (axial length, refraction) variables on macular thickness.
Main Methods:
- The Sydney Childhood Eye Study involved 1765 six-year-old children.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for fast macular thickness scans.
- Multivariate analyses examined relationships between macular thickness and various factors.
Main Results:
- Macular thickness and volume were normally distributed in the study cohort.
- Boys and white children exhibited significantly thicker central and inner macula compared to girls and East Asian children.
- Increasing axial length correlated with thinner macula, while hyperopic refraction correlated with thicker macula.
Conclusions:
- Macular thickness and volume are normally distributed in young children.
- Gender and ethnicity are significant determinants of macular thickness in this age group.
- Axial length and refractive error are important biometric factors influencing pediatric macular thickness.
Purpose:
To study the distribution of macular thickness by ocular and demographic variables in a population-based study of young children.
Methods:
The Sydney Childhood Eye Study examined 1765 6-year-old children from 34 randomly selected Sydney schools during 2003 and 2004 (78.9% response). A comprehensive eye examination included cycloplegic autorefraction and optical biometry. Fast macular thickness scans were performed over a 6-mm diameter central retinal region with optical coherence tomography. Multivariate analyses were performed. Macular thickness is presented on a modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) macular grid, with outer radii for the central, inner, and outer macular regions being 0.5, 1.5, and 3 mm, respectively.
Results:
In the study, 1543 children (88.7% of participants; 51.1% boys) had high-quality scan data (mean age, 6.7 years). The mean (SD) minimum foveal thickness was 161.1 (19.4) microm. The thickness of the central, inner, and outer macula was normally distributed, with means (SD) of 193.6 (17.9), 264.3 (15.2), and 236.9 (13.6) microm, respectively. Total macular volume was also normally distributed, with a mean (SD) of 6.9 (0.4) mm(3). The temporal quadrant was thinner than other quadrants for both inner and outer macular regions. The foveal minimum, central, and inner macula was generally significantly thicker in boys than in girls, and in white than in East Asian children. Outer macular thickness showed no significant gender-ethnic differences. Sectoral macular thickness variations were preserved in both gender and ethnic groups. The inner and outer macula, but not the central macula, showed significant thinning with increasing axial length. These corresponding areas were significantly thicker with more hyperopic spherical equivalent refractions.
Conclusions:
Macular thickness and volume were normally distributed in this young childhood population. Significant gender and ethnic differences were demonstrated. Axial length and refraction were important ocular biometric determinants of macular thickness.