Macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography values and correlations in healthy children.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate potential correlations between age, gender, spherical equivalent and optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal parameters among healthy children.

METHODS: A macular spectral-domain OCT was performed in all patients using a Spectralis® OCT device, and the macular thickness and volume of each of the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) subfields were analysed.

RESULTS: Ninety-four children were enrolled. Mean central macular thickness was 274.968 ± 18.28 µm, while mean central macular volume was 0.216 mm3 . Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the factor age and central macular thickness (F(3,90) = 4.96, p = 0.003, η2  = 0.14) and central macular volume (F(3,90) = 4.98, p = 0.003, η2  = 0.14). Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the factor gender and macular thickness/volume of several ETDRS subfields. A significant correlation between refractive error and macular thickness/volume was also noted.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows significant correlations between macular thickness/volume and the factors age, gender and spherical equivalent. Paediatric spectral-domain optical coherence tomography ranges need further investigations since many significant correlations are still to be confirmed.