Difference in Optic Nerve Parameters and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in the Eyes of Normal and Amblyopic Filipino Children

Abstract

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can accurately assess the optic nerve and retinal fiber layer (RNFL) to closely look at the anatomical ocular pathology of amblyopia.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine and compare optic nerve parameters and RNFL in amblyopic and normal Filipino children using OCT.

Methodology: Forty-two eyes of 21 normal participants and 40 eyes of 20 amblyopic participants underwent complete eye examinations and OCT scanning of optic nerve and RNFL. The following data were collected: age, refraction, intraocular pressure, optic nerve parameters (including rim area-vertical cross-section, average nerve width, disc diameter, cup diameter, rim length, vertical integrated rim area, horizontal integrated rim width, disc area, rim area, cup area, cup to disk area ratio, cup-to-disk horizontal ratio, cup to disc vertical ratio), and peripapillary RNFL.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between normal and amblyopic groups with regard to the following parameters: cup area, rim area, cup-disc area ratio, cup-disc horizontal ratio, cup-disc vertical ratio, superior RNFL, and inferior RNFL. The rim area was significantly smaller in amblyopic eyes compared to normal whereas the cup-disc area ratio, cup area, cup-disc vertical and horizontal ratios were significantly larger in amblyopic eyes. The RNFL inferiorly and superiorly were also thinner in amblyopic eyes.

Conclusion: As measured by OCT, some optic nerve parameters and RNFL thickness in Filipino children were significantly different in amblyopic eyes compared to normal.

Published online: October 3, 2021