Differences in Retinal Thickness and Vessel Density of the Macula and Optic Disc Across Myopic Children and Adolescents.

PURPOSE: To compare macular retinal thickness (RT) and superficial vessel density (SVD), as well as optic disc region retinal thickness (Disc RT) and small vessel density, among emmetropic, low myopic, and moderate myopic children (7-11 years) and adolescents (12-20 years).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, participants were stratified by age group and refractive status: emmetropia (-0.50 D to +0.50 D), low myopia (> -3.0 D, < -1.0 D), and moderate myopia (-3.0 D to -6.0 D). Macular RT (central fovea and parafoveal quadrants) and SVD were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Peripapillary RT and small vessel density were also quantified.

RESULTS

The results showed that myopic eyes had thinner retinal thickness in the macular region than emmetropic eyes, especially in parafoveal areas. The superficial capillary vessel density in the macula was significantly reduced in myopic eyes compared to emmetropic eyes. Notably, in children (7-11y) this reduction was most pronounced in the temporal parafoveal region, whereas in adolescents (12-20y) the nasal parafoveal region showed greater vessel density reduction. In addition, in the children group with moderate myopia, the temporal peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) was thicker; however, this temporal difference disappeared in the adolescent group.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric myopia is associated with macular thinning, reduced perfusion, and age-related differences in RNFL parameters. Structural and microvascular alterations appear to vary across pediatric stages, underscoring the importance of careful evaluation of both parafoveal and peripapillary regions for early detection and clinical monitoring of myopia-related changes.