Does RNFL Thin With Age? Understanding the Natural Process
Studies have shown that for every 10-year increase in age, the average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness can decrease by 1.5 to 2.5 µm, confirming that **RNFL does thin with age**. This thinning is a normal physiological process, but it presents a clinical challenge in distinguishing from pathological conditions like glaucoma. Understanding the natural rate and pattern of age-related RNFL loss is crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of eye health over time.