Macular and retinal nerve fiber layer analysis of normal and glaucomatous eyes in children using optical coherence tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate macular and nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness in normal and glaucomatous eyes of children 3 to 17 years old using optical coherence tomography (OCT-3).


METHODS
Observational cross-sectional study.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-six eyes of 79 patients were enrolled in this institutional study. Fifty-two eyes (33.3%) met criteria for glaucoma and 104 (66.7%) were normal. There were 44 female (55.6%) and 35 male (44.3%) subjects whose ages ranged from 3 to 17 years old (mean 9.5 years, standard deviation 3.5 years, median 9 years). The OCT-3 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California) was used to obtain a fast macular thickness map as well as a fast retinal NFL map of each eye. Data from specific locations around the macula, as well as total macular volume, was analyzed. Similarly, the retinal NFL scan reports average NFL thickness from specific locations around the optic nerve. Data from the superior temporal and inferior temporal sections was analyzed.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference in macular thickness and NFL thickness when normal eyes were compared against those with glaucoma, in all quadrants studied (all P values <or=.001). Mean macular volume was 7.01 +/- 0.42 mm(3) vs 6.57 +/- 0.85 mm(3) for normal vs glaucomatous eyes, respectively (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
OCT may prove valuable in the early diagnosis of glaucoma. We have found a difference between normal and glaucomatous eyes in children, similar to that reported in adult studies. Further investigation of OCT testing in children should be considered.
Hess
Derek B
DB
Duke University Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
Asrani
Sanjay G
SG
Bhide
Manisha G
MG
Enyedi
Laura B
LB
Stinnett
Sandra S
SS
Freedman
Sharon F
SF
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000473:pathology*; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence