To analyze macular layer thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in normal subjects.

One hundred normal eyes were enrolled in this study. Macular thickness was measured via enhanced depth imaging using Heidelberg Spectralis® OCT, using calipers within the program.

Central subfield thickness was 11.35 ± 2.11 µm in the retinal nerve fiber layer, 13.33 ± 4.16 µm in the ganglion cell layer, 19.38 ± 3.20 µm in the inner plexiform layer, 18.23 ± 4.66 µm in the inner nuclear layer, 23.27± 6.83 µm in the outer plexiform layer, 91.97 ± 9.59 µm in the outer nuclear layer, 16.68 ± 1.83 µm in the retinal pigment epithelium layer, 179.82 ± 29.99 µm in the inner retinal layer, and 88.32 ± 2.81 µm in the photoreceptors layer. No significant differences were observed in the spherical equivalent according to age. Despite no significant differences being present, the macular central subfield thickness was thinner in women than in men.

In the present study, differences in macular layer thickness were found according to age and gender which should be considered when macular diseases are evaluated.