Correlation between Axial Length, Optic Disc-fovea Distance, Morphometric Optic Nerve Head Parameters, and Ganglion Cell Complex in Healthy Saudi Females

Abstract Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between axial length (AL) and disc-fovea distance (DFD) in healthy Saudi females. In addition, an assessment of the association between DFD, the macular ganglion cell complex)(GCC), and morphometric optic nerve head (ONH) parameters was performed. This association has never been investigated in Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: The study included 88 eyes of 88 healthy Saudi females. DFD, morphometric ONH parameters, and GCC were evaluated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Results: DFD showed a weak negative correlation with AL. However, DFD presented a positive correlation with disc area, C/D Ratio, vertical disc diameter, and inferior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. In addition, this study found that an increase in AL resulted in a reduction of 2–2.3 mm in GCC thickness ( P < 0.001). However, Age and DFD did not show any significant association with GCC thickness. Conclusion: This study confirmed the association between DFD and the morphometric ONH parameters. DFD-adjusted normative databases should be developed to avoid misdiagnosing glaucomatous changes in myopic eyes. In addition, this study reported a negative association between AL and GCC thickness.