Assessment of retinal ganglion cells thickness in high myopia

Purpose
Studies on glaucoma markers have shown that assessment of thickness macular ganglion cell complex plays an important role in diagnosis of early stage open-angle glaucoma. There are no available data on thickness in ganglion cell complex in high myopic patients. We investigate thickness of macular ganglion cell complex in children with high myopia.

Material and methods
38 children (aged from 9 to 19 years), with high myopia (over -6.00 D) underwent full ophthalmological examination, including SD-OCT of the macula and optic disc. The reference group consisted of 38 emmetropic or slightly hyperopic children aged from 8 to 18 years old.

Results
Superior and interior ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness were significantly lower in high myopic group compared to reference group: p<0.01, respectively for GCC Sup. median was 90 µm (range 67–108.5) and 95 µm (range 80–105.5); for GCC Inf. median was 91 µm (range: 67–109.5) and 98 µm (range 85–109). Positive correlation between GCC and Total RNFL was found.

Conclusions
In children with high myopia thinning of macular ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber layer of the optic disc was found. These changes may be responsible for higher suspectibility of developing open-angle glaucoma in high myopic eyes.