TJ-CEO
2010 , Vol 5 , Num 4
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurement Using Optical Coherence Tomography in Healthy Children
1İzzet Baysal Devlet Hastanesi, Göz Hastalıkları, Bolu, Uzm. Dr.2Beyoğlu Göz Eğitim Araştırma Hastanesi, Göz Hastalıkları, İstanbul, Uzm. Dr.
3İstanbul Cerrahi Hastanesi, Göz Hastalıkları, İstanbul, Doç. Dr.
4Beyoğlu Göz Eğitim Araştırma Hastanesi, Göz Hastalıkları, İstanbul, Prof. Dr. Purpose: To assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (StratusOCT III) in healthy children who do not have any ocular pathology except refractive errors and to investigate the influence of various factors.
Materials and Methods: Cycloplegic refraction was measured using an autorefractometer (SORF), axial length was measured (AL) using optical biometry (IOL master), and RNFL thickness was measured using Stratus OCT III “fast scan” mode in 120 children (60 girls and 60 boys).
Results: Mean age of the subjects was 10.7±3.1 (5-16) years. Average AL was 22.91±1.17 mm (19.96-27.13 mm) in the right eyes and 22.82±1.17 mm (19.87-27.09 mm) in the left eyes. Mean SORF values were +1.36±2.24 D (-7.75-+8.25 D) in the right eyes and +1.56±2.33 D (-5.25-+8.50 D) in the left eyes. Mean RNFL thickness was 105.6±9.6 μm (72.22-129.25 μm) and 104.4±9.8 μm (78.97-127.34 μm) respectively in the right and left eyes. There was a statistically significant correlation between AL and RNFL thickness (right eye r=-0.33, p=0.001, left eye r=-0.30, p=0.001), while there was a significant positive correlation between SORF and RNFL thickness (right eye r=0.34, p=0.001, left eye r=0.25, p=0.005).
Conclusion: Peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements in children do not seem to be different from those obtained from adults and are not affected by age or gender. The correlations found between RNFL thickness with AL and refraction should be kept in mind by clinicians for correct diagnosis and patient follow-up. Keywords : Healthy children, optical coherence tomography, retina nerve fiber layer thickness