Normal reference ranges of optical coherence tomography parameters in childhood

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Optometry
• Retinal Imaging Analysis

Background:

• Accurate normative data for peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters are crucial for diagnosing pediatric eye conditions.
• Previous studies have often focused on adult populations, leaving a gap in established reference values for healthy children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal reference values for peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and optic disc parameters in a community-based pediatric population.
• To provide a baseline for identifying potential ocular pathologies in children through objective measurements.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 children aged 6–13 years with no history of ocular disease.
• Ophthalmic examinations included visual acuity, stereopsis assessment, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) using the 'Optic Disc Cube 200×200' protocol.
• One eye per participant was randomly selected for analysis, with evaluations for height, gender, and age influence.

Main Results:

• High-quality OCT scans were obtained from 357 children, with 344 included in the final analysis (mean age 9.16 years).
• The average RNFL thickness was 98.46 μm, with variations across quadrants (temporal thinnest, inferior thickest). Mean rim area was 1.59 mm², disc area 2.05 mm², and average cup-to-disc ratio 0.43.
• No statistically significant differences were found in RNFL or ONH parameters based on height, weight, or gender.

Conclusions:

• This study successfully established normative values for RNFL thickness and ONH parameters in a sample of Caucasian children.
• The findings offer valuable reference data for clinicians assessing pediatric eye health and detecting early signs of optic nerve abnormalities.