Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Analysis With Scanning Laser Polarimetry (GDx VCC) in Normal Children

PURPOSE: To assess the use of scanning laser polarimeter with variable corneal compensation (GDx VCC) in children; to compare GDx VCC parameters between normal children and adults; and, to evaluate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness variation with age in normals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight normal children (mean age 8.5+/-2.8 y; range: 3 to 17) and 96 normal adults (mean age of 47.0+/-20.4 y; range: 18 to 87) underwent GDx VCC testing. Eyes with small or large optic discs were excluded. The "extended parameter table" parameters and mean thickness values of the 4 quadrants and 64 sectors were considered. Differences between age groups, retinal thickness comparisons and age effect were assessed using unpaired t test, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. RESULTS: GDx VCC parameters in children and adults showed wide intersubject variability. All parameters, excluding Symmetry, were significantly greater in children (P<0.05). TSNIT (temporal, superior, nasal, inferior, temporal) average, superior average and inferior average parameters showed a significant age-related thinning (P<0.01), at a rate of 0.043, 0.057, and 0.121 microm/y, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A significant age-related superior and inferior retinal nerve fiber layer thinning was found using GDx VCC. Considering the significant differences between children and adults for most GDx VCC parameters, the built-in adult normative database cannot be applied in children.