Normative Values of Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in a Healthy Pediatric Population Using DRI Triton SS-OCT.

Abstract

Purpose: Clinical interpretation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in pediatric populations requires specific normative values, because the reference databases incorporated in most devices are based on adults. The aim of this study was to establish reference ranges for macular retinal and choroidal thickness in healthy children using the swept source DRI Triton OCT (Topcon).

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 192 healthy children (347 eyes) aged between 4 and 16 years. Measurements were obtained for total retinal thickness, thickness of macular retinal nerve fiber layer (mRNFL) and ganglion cell layers (GCL+ and GCL++), as well as choroidal thickness, using macular OCT. Participants were classified by age, sex, and spherical equivalent of refraction (SER). Differences between groups were analyzed using tests, analysis of variance, and the Pearson coefficient of correlation was used to explore associations between parameters (P < 0.05).

Results: The pattern of retinal thickness distribution matched that described in previous pediatric studies in the inner circle and NSIT in the outer circle). Differences between sexes were observed in some retinal quadrants and inner layers, though effect sizes were small. Age showed limited influence on retinal and ganglion cell layer thickness, with weak correlations. In contrast, SER showed a more consistent effect: children with higher myopia presented significant variations in mRNFL, GCL+, and GCL++, as well as generalized choroidal thinning. Age and SER displayed only a weak correlation with each other.

Conclusions: This study provides a detailed normative database for retinal and choroidal thickness in a Spanish pediatric population obtained with the DRI Triton SS-OCT device. The data confirm that SER is a relevant factor influencing structural measurements, whereas age has a more limited impact. These references are essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and early detection of macular and choroidal alterations in children.

Translational relevance: By providing pediatric-specific OCT normative values, this study directly translates structural imaging research into clinically useful benchmarks that enhance early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of retinal and choroidal disorders in children.