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Normative data for optical coherence tomography in children: a systematic review
Ana Banc1, Marius I Ungureanu2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. ana.banc@umfcluj.ro.
Insights
This review summarizes normal optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in children. It provides normative values for retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness, crucial for pediatric eye care.
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.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to systematically review the reported data of normal optical coherence tomography (OCT) results in the paediatric population. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, using the keywords "optical coherence tomography"; "normative data" or "healthy eyes"; "children" or "paediatric population". Studies with at least 50 participants were included, irrespective of the OCT equipment employed. We excluded the OCT angiography studies or the studies investigating the choroidal thickness. Seventy-four studies were included in the final analysis and information on study design, number of participants, demographic characteristics, type of OCT equipment, OCT parameters and results was collected. Due to the high variability of OCT instruments and parameters used, a meta-analysis was not feasible. We report the normative values for the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and the macular retinal thickness for each ETDRS quadrant, as provided by the studies included in the present analysis. We also report the influence of ethnicity, age, gender, eye laterality, ISNT rule, spherical equivalent, and axial length on OCT results.
