Correlation Between Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Optic Nerve Head Parameters Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Aim: To evaluate correlation between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters in normal participants using Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Sixty-five eyes of 65 healthy participants aged 13-79 years underwent ONH analysis and peripapillary RNFL thickness measurements using spectral domain OCT. The RNFL measurements were correlated with the data obtained with ONH analysis. Results: The average and quadrant RNFL thickness did not show correlation with optic disc area. A positive correlation was found between average RNFL thickness and rim area (r = 0.425, P - 0.000) and negative correlation between average RNFL thickness and cup area (r = - 0.249, P < 0.046). Conclusions: In our study, peripapillary RNFL thickness as measured by OCT did not show correlation with optic disc size. Despite a shorter distance between optic disc and circular scan margin, larger discs did not show a thicker RNFL. Interindividual variability of disc area probably minimizes the effect of various ONH size on RNFL thickness measurement.