Characterization of Retinal Thickness in Individuals with Albinism: Baseline Data for a Black South African Population

Abstract

Introduction:The central retina is responsible for several visual functions and continues to develop postnatally. In albinism, which is a genetic disorder characterized by impaired melanin biosynthesis, the development of the central retina is prematurely arrested and results in foveal hypoplasia. Retinal thickness measurements can be determined noninvasively using optical coherence tomography systems. This article reports on the retinal thickness measurements of individuals with albinism in South Africa to aid in the assessment and management of affected individuals. Methods: The study used a comparative research design and included 60 individuals (30 albinism and 30 controls) aged from 10 to 30 years who accessed the eye clinic at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Optovue iVue100 optical coherence tomographer was used to measure retinal thickness in the nine Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors including the central foveal, parafoveal and perifoveal regions. Study data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: The mean central foveal thickness was significantly higher in individuals with albinism compared with controls (289 µm versus 239 µm, p < 0.001). In contrast, control participants showed thicker retinal thickness measurements in the other ETDRS sectors (p < 0.001). The nasal and temporal quadrants were thickest and thinnest, respectively, in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions for the albinism and control groups. Conclusion: Individuals with albinism, aged from 10 to 30 years, have higher central foveal thickness but thinner retinal thickness measurements in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions. Optometric personnel should consider these measurements when assessing individuals with albinism with foveal retinal diseases.

Choroidal and retinal thickness variations in ocular albinism

“…A recent study by Pillay et al . [ 12 ] measured the retinal thickness at the fovea, perifoveal, and parafoveal regions in albinotic eyes. They noted that the retina was the thickest at the fovea and progressively became thinner in the perifoveal and parafoveal regions.…”

“…Another study by Pillay et al . [ 12 ] noted higher central foveal thickness but thinner retinal thickness measurements in the parafoveal and perifoveal regions.…”