Optical coherence tomography measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer in normal and juvenile glaucomatous eyes

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess and compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in normal and glaucomatous eyes of children using the optical coherence tomograph. The mean RNFL thickness of normal eyes (n=26) was compared with that of glaucomatous eyes (n=26). The eyes were classified into diagnostic groups based on conventional ophthalmological physical examination, Humphrey 30-2 visual fields, stereoscopic optic nerve head photography, and optical coherence tomography. The mean RNFL was significantly thinner in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes: 95+/-26.3 and 132+/-24.5 microm, respectively. More specifically, the RNFL was significantly thinner in glaucomatous eyes than in normal eyes in the inferior quadrant: 87+/-23.5 and 122+/-24.2 microm, respectively. The mean and inferior quadrant RFNL thicknesses as measured by the optical coherence tomograph showed a statistically significant correlation with glaucoma. Optical coherence tomography may contribute to tracking of juvenile glaucoma progression.