Assessment of conjunctival, episcleral and scleral thickness in healthy individuals using anterior segment optical coherence tomography

Purpose To determine the thickness of the conjunctiva, episclera and sclera in healthy individuals using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT). Methods We prospectively included 107 healthy individuals of different age groups (18–39 years, 40–54 years, 55–69 years and ≥70 years). For each eye, AS‐OCT scans of four quadrants (temporal, nasal, superior and inferior) were acquired. The thickness of the conjunctiva, episclera and sclera was measured for each scan. In addition, the axial length of both eyes was measured, and general characteristics, including smoking, allergies and contact lens use, were collected. Results The mean conjunctival thickness was significantly different between the nasal and superior quadrants (87 ± 30 μm vs. 77 ± 16 μm; p