Morphology and depth of anterior surface of lamina cribrosa in normal eyes

Purpose: To report the shape and depth of anterior surface of lamina cribrosa measured by optical coherence tomography in normal eyes. Cases and Method: This study was made on 136 eyes of 68 healthy volunteers. The series comprised 34 males and females each. The age averaged 44.8 ±19.7 years. Refraction averaged - 1.98±2.92D. Shape and depth of anterior surface of lamina cribrosa were measured as vertical section of the optic disc by optical coherence tomography. Results: Depth of anterior surface of lamina cribrosa averaged 374.9±84.9μm and showed large individual variations. When seen as vertical section, the lamina cribrosa was bent posteriorly in the superior and inferior portions simulating the letter W. Depth of anterior surface of lamina cribrosa showed no significant difference between the right and left eye, and was greater in males than females. It was not correlated either with age, refraction, intraocular pressure, or disc area. Conclusion: Depth of anterior surface of lamina cribrosa showed large individual variations. It was greater in males than females and was not correlated with refraction.