Association of choroidal structure and body mass index in an adult population.

Abstract

To determine the relation of choroidal structural parameters and body mass index (BMI) in an adult population. About 144 eyes of 144 healthy individuals were incorporated. There were four groups according to BMI values: Group 1 (⩽18.5), group 2 (18.6-24.9), group 3 (25.0-29.9), and group 4 (30.0-34.9). The enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography images were binarized using Image-J software. Choroidal thickness (CT), circumscribed choroidal area (CCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were calculated. Mean subfoveal, nasal, and temporal CT were lower in group 4 rather than group 1 (p = 0.032, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Mean nasal and temporal CT also showed a decrease in group 4 as compared to group 2 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.039). Mean CCA and LA were decreased in group 4 in comparison to group 3 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001), group 2 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), and group 1 (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). Mean SA showed a decrease only in group 3 rather than group 2 (p = 0.021) and group 1 (p = 0.008). Mean CVI was decreased in group 3 and group 4 in comparison to group 1 (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) and group 2 (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). Increased BMI percentile was associated with a decrease in CT and structural parameters.