# Comparison of Two Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomographs for Macular Thickness in Romanian Children Reveals Device-Dependent Normative Data and Significant Gender Differences

## TL;DR

This study compares two OCT devices for measuring macular thickness in Romanian children, finding device-dependent results and significant gender differences.

## Contribution

Provides normative data for Romanian children and highlights gender and device variability in OCT measurements.

## Key findings

- Average macular thickness was significantly higher in males compared to females.
- Central foveal thickness showed no significant gender differences.
- Significant inter-device variation was observed across all OCT parameters.

## Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to establish normative data for macular retinal thickness among Romanian children for two different spectral-domain optical coherence tomographs to establish if they are interchangeable and to compare gender-related differences. Methods: This analytical prospective study included 226 healthy children aged 3–17. A total of 113 eyes were examined with the Spectralis SD-OCT (Heidelberg Engineering) device and 113 with the Copernicus REVO SD-CT (Optopol Technology). Results: Central foveal and average macular thickness was measured and compared. Combining the two groups, measured with both devices, average measurements are as follows. The central foveal thickness was 203.87 ± 19.972 μm in males and 200.84 ± 21.891 μm in females for the left eye and 204.80 ± 21.516 μm and 199.74 ± 22.132 μm, respectively, for the right eye. While central foveal thickness was greater in males, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.288 for the left eye and p = 0.084 for the right eye). The average macular thickness was 256.94 ± 21.566 μm in males and 250.90 ± 23.488 μm in females for the left eye and 258.21 ± 21.30 μm and 249.70 ± 24.706 μm, respectively, for the right eye, showing significantly higher values in males (p = 0.048 for the left eye and p = 0.007 for the right eye). Significant inter-device variation was also observed across all OCT parameters (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides normative data for macular thickness in healthy Romanian children for two spectral-domain optical coherence tomographs and may assist clinicians in interpreting paediatric OCT scans more accurately.