Normative data for optical coherence tomography in children: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is vital for assessing pediatric eye health.
• Establishing normative data is essential for accurate diagnosis in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize reported normative optical coherence tomography (OCT) data in the pediatric population.
• To compile reference values for key retinal structures in healthy children.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Included studies involved at least 50 participants and focused on normative OCT data in children, excluding OCT angiography and choroidal thickness studies.
• Seventy-four studies were analyzed for demographic characteristics, OCT equipment, parameters, and results.

Main Results:

• Normative values for peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and macular retinal thickness (by ETDRS quadrant) were reported.
• The influence of ethnicity, age, gender, eye laterality, ISNT rule, spherical equivalent, and axial length on OCT results was analyzed.
• A meta-analysis was not feasible due to high variability in OCT instruments and parameters.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review provides a valuable compilation of normative OCT values for the pediatric population.
• The findings aid in the interpretation of OCT scans in children, supporting clinical diagnosis and management.
• Further standardization of OCT protocols in pediatric studies is recommended.