Quantitative analysis of retinal structures using spectral domain optical coherence tomography in normal rabbits

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Animal Models
• Retinal Imaging

Background:

• Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is crucial for in vivo retinal imaging.
• Understanding normal retinal anatomy in animal models is essential for translational research.

Purpose of the Study:

• Quantify normal retinal thickness (RT) and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in rabbits.
• Measure cross-sectional areas of the main retinal artery and vein.
• Establish normative SD-OCT data for the rabbit retina.

Main Methods:

• SD-OCT scans were acquired from 15 rabbit eyes.
• Custom software (OCTOR) measured RT, RNFLT, and retinal vessel cross-sectional areas at varying distances from the optic nerve head.
• Statistical analysis used ANOVA with post hoc tests.

Main Results:

• RT and RNFLT significantly decreased with eccentricity from the optic disc (p < 0.01).
• Values at the optic disc edge were significantly greater than measurements 1-4 mm away (p < 0.01).
• Mean cross-sectional area of the retinal vein was significantly larger than the retinal artery (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• SD-OCT successfully quantified RT, RNFLT, and major retinal vessel dimensions in rabbits.
• These normative data represent novel anatomical features of the rabbit retina.
• Findings are important for future studies utilizing the rabbit model.