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Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in normal Indian pediatric population measured with optical coherence tomography
Neelam Pawar1, Devendra Maheshwari, Meenakshi Ravindran
1Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Aravind Eye Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Insights
This study measured peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in Indian children using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Refraction significantly affected RNFL thickness, highlighting the need for normative data in pediatric ophthalmology.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Background:
- Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness is a key indicator of optic nerve health.
- Establishing normative data is crucial for diagnosing various ocular conditions in pediatric populations.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique for measuring RNFL thickness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness values in a healthy Indian pediatric cohort.
- To investigate the influence of age, refraction, and gender on RNFL thickness in children.
- To provide reference data for early detection of optic nerve abnormalities in Indian children.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study involving 120 normal Indian children aged 5-17 years.
- RNFL thickness was measured using Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT).
- Exclusion criteria included strabismus, amblyopia, neurological, metabolic, vascular disorders, and abnormal optic discs. Statistical analysis examined the effects of age, refraction, and gender.
Main Results:
- Mean RNFL thickness was 106.11 ± 9.5 μm, with significant variations across quadrants (thickest inferiorly/superiorly, thinnest temporally).
- Age did not show a statistically significant effect on RNFL thickness (P = 0.7249).
- Refraction demonstrated a significant effect on RNFL thickness (P = 0.0008).
Conclusions:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a viable tool for measuring RNFL thickness in pediatric patients.
- Refractive status is a significant factor influencing RNFL thickness measurements in children.
- The study provides valuable normative RNFL thickness data for the Indian pediatric population, aiding in the identification of potential glaucomatous or other optic nerve changes.
Purpose:
To measure the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in normal Indian pediatric population.
Subjects And Methods:
120 normal Indian children ages 5-17 years presenting to the Pediatric Clinic were included in this observational cross-sectional study. RNFL thickness was measured with stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT). Children with strabismus or amblyopia, with neurological, metabolic, vascular, or other disorders and those with abnormal optic discs were excluded. One eye of each subject was randomly selected for statistical analysis. The effect of age, refraction and gender on RNFL thickness was investigated statistically.
Result:
OCT measurements were obtained in 120 of 130 (92.3%) subjects. Mean age was 10.8 ± 3.24 years (range 5-17). Average RNFL thickness was (± SD) 106.11 ± 9.5 μm (range 82.26-146.25). The RNFL was thickest inferiorly (134.10 ± 16.16 μm) and superiorly (133.44 ± 15.50 μm), thinner nasally (84.26 ± 16.43 μm), and thinnest temporally (70.72 ± 14.80 μm). In univariate regression analysis, age had no statistical significant effect on RNFL thickness (P = 0.7249) and refraction had a significant effect on RNFL thickness (P = 0.0008).
Conclusion:
OCT can be used to measure RNFL thickness in children. Refraction had an effect on RNFL thickness. In normal children, variation in RNFL thickness is large. The normative data provided by this study may assist in identifying changes in RNFL thickness in Indian children.
