Foveal hypoplasia detection by optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the contribution of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis of foveal hypoplasia in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Children with foveal hypoplasia (FH) were examinated with device RTVue Fourier - domain (FD) - OCT, software - version 6.8 (Optovue Inc., Fremont, USA). A qualitative examination of the macular area was performed with single horizontal scan (1024 A-scans/frame). Macular thickness was measured and evaluated quantitatively with an automatic fast macular area protocol MM5 (Macular Map 5x5 mm). A control group of children was used for comparison. RESULTS: The quality was assessed with OCT image of the macula and quantitatively evaluated macular thickness and configuration in children with foveal hypoplasia. It was subsequently realized the comparison of macular OCT findings in healthy children. The OCT showed a reduction of foveal depression, continuous extension of the inner retinal layers through the area in which should be normally found fovea. Patients with foveal hypoplasia had thicker central macula and fovea than children in the control group. CONCLUSION: OCT in our group of patients confirmed the final diagnosis of foveal hypoplasia. FD-OCT is a noninvasive and quick method helpful in identifying retinal abnormalities in the diagnosis of foveal hypoplasia in children and may be useful in diagnosing patients with unexplained decrease in vision.