Original Article June 03, 2026 June 03, 2026

Normal parameters of optic nerve variables in Latin American patients: a retrospective study by optical coherence tomography

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20260049

ABSTRACT

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to characterize normal optic nerve parameters in Latin American patients using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) during the period from 2015 to 2022.

Methods:

A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using data retrieved from the database of the Exilaser Clinic in Cuenca, Ecuador. The study included 290 adult patients without ocular abnormalities. Data from each eye (left and right) were analyzed using SPSS software. For quantitative variables, measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated.

Results:

Females constituted 67.6% of the sample, with 52.4% aged between 36 and 64 years, and 61.4% originating from the Azuay province. OCT-derived optic nerve parameters showed comparable values between right and left eyes but were notably higher than international reference standards. A progressive decrease in the mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, both globally and by quadrants, was observed with advancing age.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the clinical relevance of establishing population-specific OCT reference values, as significant differences were identified when compared to existing foreign standards. The findings contribute to the standardization of optic nerve parameters in the Latin American population.