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 (R) 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 mu m, while mean central macular volume was 0.216 mm(3). Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the factor age and central macular thickness (F(3,90) = 4.96, p = 0.003, eta(2) = 0.14) and central macular volume (F(3,90) = 4.98, p = 0.003, eta(2) = 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.