Age-related changes in optical coherence tomography glaucoma-related parameters: A systematic review

The specificity of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect glaucoma progression can be compromised by the non-adjustment to the healthy aging of OCT glaucoma-related parameters. We summarize the age-related changes of glaucoma-related parameters on OCT in the healthy population. Fifty-one longitudinal studies met our inclusion criteria. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness change was -0.47 ± 0.27 μm/year for Spectralis® OCT, -0.44 ± 0.17 μm/year for Cirrus® OCT and -0.25 ± 0.21 μm/year for Optovue® OCT. Ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer change was -0.24 ± 0.08 μm/year on Cirrus® OCT. Ganglion cell complex change was -0.40 ± 0.26 μm/year on Optovue® OCT. Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim width change was -1.61 ± 0.14 μm/year on Spectralis® OCT. Vessel density change was -0.33 ± 0.50 %/year on OCTA, measured with Optovue® OCT. Aging in the healthy population leads to a progressive decrease of glaucoma-related parameters. This needs to be considered when assessing glaucoma patients for possible progression measured through OCT or OCT-angiography.