May 2006
Volume 47, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2006
The Variability of Macular Thickness in 6–Year–Old Children
X. Wang; S.C. Huynh; E. Rochtchina; P. Mitchell; Sydney Myopia Study; Sydney Childhood Eye Study
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • X. Wang
    School of Optometry (Vision Co–operative Research Centre), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
  • S.C. Huynh
    Department of Ophthalmology (Centre for Vision Research), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  • E. Rochtchina
    Department of Ophthalmology (Centre for Vision Research), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  • P. Mitchell
    Department of Ophthalmology (Centre for Vision Research), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  • Sydney Myopia Study
    School of Optometry (Vision Co–operative Research Centre), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
  • Sydney Childhood Eye Study
    School of Optometry (Vision Co–operative Research Centre), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  X. Wang, None; S.C. Huynh, None; E. Rochtchina, None; P. Mitchell, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC Grant 253732), Westmead Millenium Institute, Vision Cooperative Research Centre
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2006, Vol.47, 1155. doi:
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      X. Wang, S.C. Huynh, E. Rochtchina, P. Mitchell, Sydney Myopia Study, Sydney Childhood Eye Study; The Variability of Macular Thickness in 6–Year–Old Children . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2006;47(13):1155.

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Abstract

Purpose: : To examine the distribution of macular thickness and its variation by ocular and demographic variables in young children.

Methods: : The Sydney Childhood Eye Study is a population–based study of eye conditions in Australian children. 1765 children (78.9% of eligible) from 34 randomly selected Sydney schools participated during 2003–4. Fast macular thickness scans were performed over a 6 mm diameter region of the central retina using optical coherence tomography (StratusOCT, Zeiss). Ocular biometry and cycloplegic autorefraction were also performed. Variability of retinal thickness by ocular and demographic parameters were examined in multivariate analyses.

Results: : Mean age (standard deviation {SD}) was 6.7 (0.4) years (51.1% boys). Interocular correlations of the thickness of the foveal center (1 mm circle), inner macula (2.5 mm–wide ring) and outer macula (3 mm–wide ring) were 0.81, 0.70, and 0.68, respectively (all p<0.0001). The thickness of the foveal center, inner macula and outer macula were normally distributed, with means (SD) of 193.6 (17.9) µm, 264.3 (15.2) µm, and 236.9 (13.6) µm, respectively. Total macular volume was also normally distributed, with a mean (SD) of 6.9 (0.4) mm3. The temporal quadrant was thinner than all other quadrants for both inner and outer macular regions. The foveal center and inner macula were generally significantly thicker in boys than girls, and in Caucasian than East Asian children. Outer macular thickness generally did not show significant gender or ethnic differences. Sectoral variations in macular thickness were preserved in both gender and ethnic groups. The inner and outer macula regions, but not the foveal center, showed significant thinning with increasing axial length. These corresponding areas were significantly thicker with more hyperopic spherical equivalent refractions.

Conclusions: : Macular thickness and volume were normally distributed in this population of young children. Significant gender and ethnic differences were demonstrated. Axial length and refraction were important ocular biometric determinants of macular thickness.

Keywords: retina • topography • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment 
© 2006, The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Inc., all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of an abstract in any form must be obtained in writing from the ARVO Office prior to publication.
Copyright © 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
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