To analyze peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) parameters with regard to age in children by using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

We analyzed RNFL thickness and ONH parameters by using Stratus OCT Model 3000 (Zeiss-Humphrey) in two-hundred eyes of 100 children ranging in age from 5 to 14 years, with 5 males and 5 females for each age.

The RNFL thicknesses for 100 children (200 eyes) in total were as follows: Mean 104.67±9.07 µm, superior 131.84±18.71 µm, temporal 78.49±12.91 µm, nasal 73.85±14.26 µm, and Inferior 133.87±18.58 µm. The parameters of ONH for 100 children (200 eyes) in total were as follows: optic disc area 2.80±0.21 mm², rim area 1.85±0.28 mm², cup to disc area ratio 0.34±0.08, horizontal cup to disc diameter ratio 0.47±0.11, and vertical cup to disc diameter ratio 0.49±0.11. In analyzed RNFL thickness and ONH according to age, there was a significant negative correlation among mean RNFL, inferior RNFL, and age (r=-0.258, p=0.000, r=-0.464, p=0.000). There was a significant positive correlation between nasal RNFL and age (r=0.135, p=0.028). There was a significant positive correlation between disc area and age (r=0.528, p=0.000). There was a significant negative correlation among the cup to disc area ratio, the horizontal cup to disc diameter ratio, the vertical cup to disc diameter ratio, and age (r=-0.170, p=0.008, r=-0.266, p=0.000, r=-0.155, p=0.014).

OCT can be used to measure RNFL thickness and ONH parameters in children. Age had an effect on RNFL thickness and ONH parameters in children.