Normative retinal thickness values in children, measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Pediatric Health

Background:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is vital in pediatric ophthalmology, but lacks sufficient normative data for children.
• Adult OCT values are unsuitable for pediatric use due to ongoing ocular development.
• OCT measurement variability across devices necessitates device-specific pediatric norms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normative values for total macular retinal thickness, macular ganglion cell layer (GCL+) thickness, and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness.
• To provide device-specific pediatric norms for the Topcon DRI Triton Plus swept-source OCT device.
• To address the lack of age-appropriate reference standards in pediatric OCT imaging.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 69 children aged 5-17 years with normal ocular health and specific refractive error limits.
• Performed comprehensive eye exams and OCT scans using the Topcon DRI Triton Plus device.
• Analyzed macular and optic disc scans, comparing measurements between age groups (5-7 and 8-17 years) and assessing repeatability.

Main Results:

• Mean total macular thickness: 287.5 µm (5-7 yrs) and 290.5 µm (8-17 yrs).
• Mean GCL+ thickness: 75.7 µm (5-7 yrs) and 74.9 µm (8-17 yrs).
• Mean cpRNFL thickness: 111.5 µm (5-7 yrs) and 108.3 µm (8-17 yrs).
• No significant differences in retinal thickness by age or sex; excellent measurement repeatability (0.954-0.991).

Conclusions:

• Provided essential normative OCT values for children aged 5-17 using the Topcon DRI Triton Plus.
• Found no significant age or sex differences in measured retinal parameters.
• These device-specific pediatric norms enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making in pediatric ophthalmology.