Optic disc characteristics on digital fundus photographs in Saudi children

Objectives: To assess the optic disc parameters in healthy Saudi children.

Methods: This study recruited 85 children who were medically free, born full-term, cooperative, and aged 3–17 years. The children underwent a thorough ophthalmological examination (visual acuity, refraction post-cycloplegia, fundus photography) at the ophthalmology clinic of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Fundus photographs obtained by a fundus camera were evaluated by the Retinal Size Tool program.

Results: Forty-eight participants were male (56.5%). The mean birth weight was 2.97±0.8 kg and the median gestational age was 39 weeks (range, 37–40 weeks). The median areas of the neuroretinal rim, cup, and optic disc were 1.82 mm² (range, 0.84–2.83 mm²), 0.47 mm² (range, 0.18–1.25 mm²), and 2.33 mm² (range, 1.15–3.52 mm²), respectively. The older age group had smaller neuroretinal areas compared to the younger age groups. The variables demonstrated no apparent correlation to axial length, refraction, or birth parameters. The cup size increased together with the optic disc (r=0.659, p<0.001). Sex and refraction did not correlate with any of the studied factors.

Conclusion: This study yielded normative data for the optic disc parameters of healthy Saudi children. The data can be used as a reference in the pediatric ophthalmology clinic to aid the identification of optic disc abnormalities.