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Published on: May 6, 2016
Scleral thickness in young children
Raval Vishal1, Kapoor Rohan1, Jana Priya1
1Anant Bajaj Retina Institute, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
Insights
This study establishes normative scleral thickness data for infants and young children up to 36 months. Scleral thickness is consistent across quadrants, sexes, and age groups in this pediatric population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Ocular imaging
Background:
- Scleral thickness is a critical parameter in ocular development and disease.
- Normative data for scleral thickness in early childhood is limited.
- Understanding scleral development is essential for diagnosing and managing pediatric eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish normative data for scleral thickness in children aged 0-36 months.
- To investigate variations in scleral thickness based on age, sex, and laterality.
- To provide reference values for pediatric ophthalmological assessments.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, single-center study including children under 36 months undergoing examination under anesthesia.
- Scleral thickness measured using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).
- Overall scleral thickness (OST) analyzed for correlation with laterality, sex, and age groups.
Main Results:
- Mean overall scleral thickness (OST) was 0.46 ± 0.06 mm, with no significant difference between right and left eyes.
- Scleral thickness was uniform across all measured quadrants.
- No significant variations in OST were found between sexes or across different age groups (0-12, 12-24, 24-36 months).
Conclusions:
- The study provides normative scleral thickness data for children up to 36 months.
- Scleral thickness is consistent across quadrants, sexes, and age groups in this pediatric cohort.
- These findings contribute valuable reference data for pediatric ophthalmology.
Purpose:
To generate normative scleral thickness data for children aged 0-36 months.
Methods:
Children ≤36 months of age undergoing examination under anesthesia for retinoblastoma management were prospectively included in this single-center study. Scleral thickness was measured using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Four readings were taken for each eye, one in each quadrant at the 130, 430, 730, and 1030 meridians, avoiding the insertion of the rectus muscles. Overall scleral thickness (OST) was analyzed for correlation with laterality, sex, and age in months (<12, 12-24, 24-36).
Results:
A total of 28 children (43 eyes) were included, with a mean age of 17.5 months (range, 5-36). Mean OST was 0.47 ± 0.05 mm for the right eye and 0.45 ± 0.06 mm for the left eye (P = 0.2). No significant difference was observed across quadrants of the right eye (P = 0.3) or left eye (P = 0.6). The mean OST was similar between males and females (0.46 vs 0.45 mm [P = 0.7]). No significant differences in age groups were observed in mean OST (P = 0.9).
Conclusions:
The mean scleral thickness was 0.46 ± 0.06 mm and was comparable between eyes. Scleral thickness was uniform across all quadrants, and no significant variations were observed in sex or age up to 36 months.