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

Abstract

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.