Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness Research Articles

Factors Affecting Visual Acuity and Central Visual Function in Glaucoma Patients With Myopia

To investigate associated factors including structural parameters of myopia and vessel density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) to visual acuity (VA) and central visual function in glaucoma patients with myopia. Retrospective cross-sectional study METHODS: Sixty-five eyes of 60 glaucoma patients with myopia and without media opacity and retinal lesions were include. Both Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm (SITA) 24-2 and 10-2 visual field (VF) testing were performed. Superficial and deep VD in the peripapillary and macular regions were evaluated using OCT-A; retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thicknesses were measured. β-zone peripapillary atrophy (PPA) area, disc torsion, disc-fovea distance, and peripapillary choroidal thickness were measured. Decreased VA was defined as best-corrected VA <20/25. The worse mean deviation of SITA 24-2, thinner GCIPL thickness, and lower deep peripapillary VD were associated with the presence of central VF damage in glaucoma patients with myopia. Thinner GCIPL thickness, lower deep peripapillary VD, and longer disc-fovea distance were associated with decreased VA in logistic regression analysis. Thinner GCIPL thickness, lower deep peripapillary VD, and larger β-zone PPA area were associated with lower VA in linear regression analysis. Deep peripapillary VD showed a positive correlation with GCIPL thickness, whereas there was no relationship between deep peripapillary VD and RNFL thickness. Decreased VA in glaucoma patients with myopia was associated with lower deep peripapillary VD and papillomacular bundle damage. Lower deep peripapillary VD was independently associated with decreased VA along with thinner GCIPL thickness. Therefore, this could be stated that decreased VA in glaucoma patients is related to the damage location and the status of blood flow in the optic nerve head.

Choroidal thickness measurements of subjects with pseudoexfoliative syndrome and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma: A contralateral eye study.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) and macular choroidal thickness (MCT) in pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and compare the data of the contralateral eyes according to the presence of biomicroscopic eye involvement and glaucoma. In this cross-sectional case-control study, PPCT and MCT measurements were analyzed in 162 eyes of 81 subjects with PEX syndrome, diagnosed biomicroscopically with the detection of PEX material. The sample included 63 eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PG), 49 eyes with visible PEX material alone without glaucoma (PM), 50 fellow eyes without biomicroscopically visible PEX material (F), and 48 eyes of 24 healthy individuals (controls) without any sign of PEX in the detailed ophthalmologic examination. The PEX syndrome group consisted of 25 PM-F, 25 PG-F, 19 PG-PG, and 12 PM-PM eye pairs. The PPCT and MCT values were compared between the eye-pairs of the subjects with the PEX syndrome. The mean PPCT measurements were 183.3 ± 8.1 µm, 158.5 ± 5.4 µm, 167.8 ± 5.9 µm, and 149.9 ± 5.5 µm for the eyes in the control, F, PM, and PG groups, respectively. The eyes in the PG group had statistically significantly lower measurements than those in the control group (p < 0.01). In the contralateral eye comparison of the subjects with PEX syndrome, no significant difference was found in relation to the mean PPCT and MCT measurements between the PM-F, PG-F, and PG-PG eye pairs (p > 0.05 for all). Although the eye groups with PEX syndrome had lower mean PPCT measurements than the controls, the contralateral eye analysis of the asymmetrically involved eye pairs showed no significant differences.

The Effects of Long-term Growth Hormone Treatment on Ocular Findings.

This study aimed to examine the long-term changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AxL), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT), peripapillary ganglion cell layer - inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness, and peripapillary choroidal thickness (ChT) after rhGH replacement treatment in paediatric patients with IGHD, compared to healthy controls. Twenty-two children with IGHD including 12 girls and 10 boys were enrolled in the study group, and 30 (16 girls, 14 boys) healthy children composed the control group. A detailed ophthalmological examination was performed for each participant. ACD, CCT, AxL, peripapillary RNFLT, GCL-IPL thickness and ChT measurements were performed before the rhGH replacement treatment and in the 12th month of the post-treatment period, as well as the corresponding visits in the control group. AxL ultrasound pachymetry (CCT), peripapillary RNFL thickness, peripapillary RNFLT, GCL-IPL thickness, and peripapillary ChT parameters were measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The mean age of the groups were similar (p = 0.143). 12-month CCT, ACD, and AxL measurements of the study group showed significantly higher results than the pre-treatment measurements (p = 0.005, p = 0.024, and p = 0.002, respectively). Similarly, the mean RNFLT and ChT measurements of the study group obtained from all sectors were significantly higher in the 12th-month visit (p < 0.001 for both) other than the RNFLT, and GCL-IPL thickness measurements (p > 0.05 for all). However, all these parameters were similar at pre- and post-treatment visits in the control group (p > 0.05 for all). The mean pre-treatment values of all these parameters were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05 for all), other than the RNFLT, GCL-IPL thickness measurements (p > 0.05 for all), while the mean post-treatment values of all these parameters in both groups were similar at month 12 (p > 0.05 for all). GH replacement treatment in childhood may play an important role in the development of the neural retina and can be effective on the anterior segment, RNFLT and ChT measurements.

Choroidal Microvasculature Dropout in the Absence of Parapapillary Atrophy in POAG.

To describe the parapapillary choroidal microvasculature dropout (CMvD) in glaucomatous eyes without β-zone parapapillary atrophy (β-PPA) and compare its characteristics with that of CMvD with β-PPA. Peripapillary choroidal microvasculature was evaluated on en face images obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography. CMvD was defined as a focal sectoral capillary dropout with no visible microvascular network identified in the choroidal layer. Peripapillary and optic nerve head structures, including the presence of β-PPA, peripapillary choroidal thickness and lamina cribrosa curvature index were evaluated using the images obtained by enhanced depth-imaging optical coherence tomography. The study included 100 glaucomatous eyes with CMvD (25 without and 75 with β-PPA) and 97 eyes without CMvD (57 without and 40 with β-PPA). Regardless of the presence of β-PPA, eyes with CMvD tended to have a worse visual field at a given RNFL thickness than eyes without CMvD, with patients having eyes with CMvD having lower diastolic blood pressure and more frequent cold extremities than patients with eyes lacking CMvD. Peripapillary choroidal thickness was significantly smaller in eyes with than without CMvD, but was not affected by the presence of β-PPA. β-PPA without CMvD was not associated with vascular variables. CMvD were found in the absence of β-PPA in glaucomatous eyes. CMvDs had similar characteristics in the presence and absence of β-PPA. Clinical and optic nerve head structural characteristics potentially relevant to compromised optic nerve head perfusion were dependent on the presence of CMvD, rather than the presence of β-PPA.

Using a combination of peripapillary atrophy area and choroidal thickness for the prediction of different types of myopic maculopathy.

To analyse the topographic characteristics in macular choroidal thickness (mChT) and ocular biometry in myopic maculopathy and to explore the potential cut-off value for prediction of myopic maculopathy (MM). All participants underwent detailed ocular examinations. MM was subdivided into thin choroid, Bruch's membrane (BM) defects, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and myopic tractional maculopathy (MTM) according to OCT-based classification system. Peripapillary atrophy area (PPA), tilt ratio, torsion, and mChT were individually measured. A total of 1947 participants were included. In multivariate logistics models, older age, longer axial length, larger PPA area, and thinner average mChT were more likely to have MM and different type of MM. Female participants were more likely to have MM and BM defects. A lower tilt ratio was more likely to be associated with CNV and MTM. The area under the curve (AUC) of single tilt ratio, PPA area, torsion, and topographic of mChT for MM, thin choroid, BM Defects, CNV, and MTM were 0.6581 to 0.9423, 0.6564 to 0.9335, 0.6120 to 0.9554, 0.5734 to 0.9312, 0.6415 to 0.9382, respectively. After combining PPA area and average mChT for predicting MM, thin choroid, BM defects, CNV, and MTM, the AUC of the combination were 0.9678, 0.9279, 0.9531, 0.9213, 0.9317, respectively. Progressive and continuous PPA area expanding and thin choroid play a role in the development of myopic maculopathy. The present study showed that a combination of peripapillary atrophy area and the choroidal thickness could be used to predict MM and each type of MM.

Peripapillary and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Retinal Vein Occlusions [Response to Letter

Peripapillary and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Retinal Vein Occlusions [Response to Letter

Assessment of macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: A meta-analysis.

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the most common optic neuropathy in adults aged ≥ 50 years. Transient non-perfusion or hypoperfusion of the optic nerve head circulation is believed to be the underlying cause of NAION. It has been suggested that peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) is altered after ischemic disorders of the optic nerve head, but the results have not always been consistent. To address this issue and provide evidence for the pathogenesis of NAION, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate macular choroidal thickness (MCT) and PCT in patients with NAION. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was performed until August 31, 2022. The main inclusion criterion was a case-control study in which MCT and PCT were measured using optical coherence tomography in patients with NAION. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval were calculated for continuous estimates. The Review Manager (V5.40) was used for the analysis. Nine studies comprising 663 eyes (283 NAION eyes and 380 healthy control eyes) were included (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score ≥ 5). MCT and PCT were higher in eyes with chronic NAION (MD = 19.16, P = .04; MD = 35.36, P < .00001) and NAION fellow eyes (MD = 30.35, P = .0006; MD = 29.86, P = .04) than in healthy controls. No difference was noted in the MCT between eyes with acute NAION and healthy controls (MD = 2.99, P = .87). Increased MCT and PCT may be important anatomical and physiological features of the eyes in patients with NAION.

The Effect of the Water Drinking Test on Ocular Parameters and Choroidal Thickness in Glaucoma Suspects

Background and objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effects of the water drinking test (WDT) on several systemic and ocular parameters, including choroidal thickness, which was assessed through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), in glaucoma suspects. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 eyes from 20 glaucoma suspects without any systemic or ocular diseases were included in this prospective observational study. All the participants undertook the WDT, which required the drinking of 1 L of table water in 5 min. The outcome measures included IOP, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA), and subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness, which were assessed at baseline and at four 15 min intervals after the WDT. Generalized least squares models and mixed model analyses that take into account repeated measurements were used to assess the changes over time of these parameters. Results: All the ocular and systemic parameters showed statistically significant changes at all time points compared to baseline apart from choroidal thickness. The peak changes were an IOP of 20.1 mmHg versus 17.3 mmHg at 45 min, an SBP of 137.6 mmHg versus 125 mmHg at 30 min, a DBP of 95.9 mmHg versus 85.7 mmHg at 15 min, and an MOP of 53.51 mmHg versus 48.89 mmHg at 15 min. Conclusions: Despite elevations in IOP and significant changes in all the assessed systemic parameters, the WDT was not associated with changes in choroidal thickness in glaucoma suspects.

Impact of peripapillary staphylomas on the vascular and structural characteristics in myopic eyes: a propensity score matching analysis

PurposeTo apply propensity score matching to evaluate the impact of peripapillary staphylomas (PPS) on vascular and structural characteristics in the myopic eyes.MethodsThis was a prospective, cross-sectional study. Forty-one control eyes and 41 eyes with PPS were analyzed. The eyes were selected using propensity score matching analysis based on the age and axial length. All subjects underwent ophthalmologic examinations for assessing vessel and structure parameters using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), OCT angiography, color fundus photography, and ocular biometry.ResultsAs compared with control eyes, the eyes with PPS had shallower anterior chamber depth (3.61 ± 0.24 mm vs 3.77 ± 0.24 mm, P = 0.004), higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (16.59 ± 2.88 mmHg vs 14.53 ± 2.45 mmHg, P = 0.002), and higher myopic spherical equivalent (− 11.52 ± 3.22D vs − 9.88 ± 2.20D, P = 0.009). while corneal curvature and lens thickness between the two groups were not statistically different. Compared with control eyes, increased macular deep vessel density, reduced macular choriocapillaris and radial peripapillary capillary, and thinning retinal layer, ganglion cell complex, choroidal layer as well as the superior and inferior peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer were observed in eyes with PPS, apart from larger disc area, parapapillary atrophy area, and degree of disc rotation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the IOP (P = 0.046), disc rotation (P = 0.003), and average peripapillary choroidal thickness (P = 0.009) were associated with the presence of PPS.ConclusionClose association of PPS with exacerbation of myopia and anatomical alterations was observed which not only affected the eye posterior segment but also the anterior segments. We further identified significant reductions in the radial peripapillary capillary and macular choroidal perfusion with the increase in macular deep retinal flow blood of myopic eyes with PPS. Higher IOP, thinner peripapillary choroidal thickness, and rotated optic disc were risk factors for the presence of PPS.

Compatibility of peripapillary choroidal thickness measurement between 4-point manual measurement and measurement by manual re-segmentation in eyes with and without glaucoma

Aim: To evaluate the compatibility of peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) using 4-point manual measurement and measurement by manual re-segmentation in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes. Materials and Methods: A total of 270 eyes of 135 consecutive patients were included in the study. Of these, 79 eyes had glaucoma. OCT images of peripapillary circle scans were investigated with Heidelberg Spectralis OCT. PPCT at the 3.4 mm circular line around the disc was measured by 2 techniques; manual 4-point measurement (PPCT-1) at temporal, superior, nasal and inferior sectors and by changing retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) segmentation lines manually using the editing function and obtaining automatic calculations (PPCT-2). Compatibility of the 2 techniques and correlations with RNFL measurements, age, sex, glaucoma presence, glaucoma drug usage, glaucoma stage, mean deviation, spherical equivalent (SE) and corneal thickness were investigated. Results: Mean PPCT measured with the PPCT-1 technique was 149.44 ± 2.84 µm, while with the PPCT-2 technique, it was 159.51 ± 2.72 µm (p&lt;0.001). There was a statistically strong positive correlation between PPCT-1 nasal and PPCT-2 nasal values (R: 0.875). Negative correlations were found between the 2 methods with age, SE, glaucoma stage and glaucoma drug usage. Conclusion: Both of the measurement techniques are useful to evaluate PPCT.

Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness Measurement in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Background: Glaucoma is one of the most typical causes of irreversible visual impairment in the globe, Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common subtype of the disease and can impact the quality of life by affecting the visual field even if the patient is unaware of his diagnosis. Aim of the work: To measure the peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) in POAG patients and to assess the correlation between peripapillary choroidal thickness and the degree of the condition using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Patients and Methods: A prospective, observational case-control study was carried out from March 2021 till March 2022 at Al-Azhar University Hospitals involving 40 eyes of twenty-four adult subjects, 20 eyes of 10 healthy persons, and 20 eyes of 14 patients previously diagnosed with POAG. Results: 40 eyes of 24 subjects were enrolled in this study, with a mean age of 56.16 years old. 41.66% of patients were males [10/24], while females were 58.33% [14/24]. PCT in the glaucoma group was less than in the control group; however, the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: No significant correlation between PCT in POAG and the severity of the condition so peripapillary choroidal thickness has no role in the diagnosis or follow-up of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Optical coherence tomography changes in ankylosing spondylitis patients on long-term adalimumab treatment.

Long-term ocular effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to examine the long-term effects of adalimumab use on neural tissue of the anterior visual pathways using optical coherence tomography in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. This was a single-center, open-label, cross-sectional study conducted at the Giresun University Faculty of Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, between November 2019 and August 2020. This study included 26 ankylosing spondylitis patients receiving adalimumab for at least 1 year and 21 healthy controls. All subjects underwent a full ophthalmological examination and optical coherence tomography examination with the following measurements: peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, peripapillary retinal thickness, peripapillary choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness, and the optic head properties. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and retinal thickness measurements were lower in the adalimumab group. In addition, ganglion cell complex thickness was significantly lower and the cup-to-disc ratio was significantly higher in the adalimumab group (p<0.05). However, the two groups did not differ in terms of peripapillary choroidal thickness and disc area (p>0.05). Although tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors have some favorable effects on the ocular involvement of patients with ankylosing spondylitis, they may also have paradoxical detrimental effects as evidenced by structural changes observed by optical coherence tomography. Future studies with better design, probably including a large number of patients with a range of rheumatological diseases and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors, are warranted.

Assessment of choroidal vascularity and choriocapillaris blood perfusion in Chinese preschool-age anisometropic hyperopic amblyopia children.

To determine the macular and peripapillary area choroid microstructure parameters of hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia eyes and compare to fellow and age-matched control eyes. To assess the correlation between the axial length (AL), choroidal thickness (CT) and choroid microstructure parameters. This cross-sectional comparative, non-interventional study involved 52 hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia children and 48 age-matched heathy controls. 52 eyes with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia and 48 age-matched control eyes were studied. The peripapillary and subfoveal CT were determined. The total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA) of the subfoveal and peripapillary choroid were measured. In addition, the correlation between the AL, CT and choroid microstructure parameters were calculated. The peripapillary and subfoveal CT of the amblyopic eyes was significantly thicker than the fellow and control eyes (all P < 0.05). The subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal SA, LA and TCA of the amblyopic eyes were significantly increased than that of the fellow and control eyes (all P < 0.05). The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) values of the amblyopic eye were significantly different among the three groups (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between AL and subfoveal CT (SFCT), LA and TCA levels (P < 0.001, P = 0.039, P = 0.027, respectively). Spherical equivalent (SE) was positive correlated with SFCT, LA and TCA levels (P = 0.456, 0.229 and 0.240, respectively; all P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between SFCT, SE, LA, SA, TCA and CVI levels (all P < 0.05). The subfoveal and peripapillary CT of amblyopic children abnormally increased and correlated with shorter AL and higher SE. The choroidal structure of the amblyopic eyes was different from the fellow and control eyes, the hyperopic anisometropic amblyopic eyes had significantly thicker sub-foveal choroid, higher LA, SA, and TCA. AL and CT affect choroidal structure and vascular density. Choroidal blood flow may be increased in amblyopic eyes. The larger LA, SA, TCA, and lower CVI were characteristic of the amblyopic eye.

Peripapillary and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Retinal Vein Occlusions.

This work aimed to longitudinally assess the peripapillary (PPCT) and subfoveal (SFCT) choroidal thickness (CT), in patients diagnosed with central (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusions (BRVO), correlating SFCT with central macular thickness (CMT) and PPCT with peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL). This was a retrospective longitudinal study of 71 eyes from 71 patients with treatment-naïve retinal vein occlusion (24 CRVO and 40 BRVO). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT, Spectralis HRA-OCT, Heidelberg) was used to measure PPCT, SFCT, pRNFL and CMT of the affected and fellow eyes at baseline (acute phase) and at 3 and 9 months post anti-VEGF treatment. IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Affected eyes presented a thicker baseline PPCT and SFCT compared to their fellow eyes both in CRVO and BRVO (p < 0.05). Both groups presented a significant decrease of PPCT in the affected eyes at 3 months compared to baseline (p < 0.05). At 9 months, compared to 3 months, PPCT remained stable (p > 0.05). Similarly, affected eyes' SFCT significantly decreased at 3 months (p < 0.05) in both groups. At 9 months, compared to 3 months, SFCT decreased in the CRVO patients (p = 0.047) but remained stable in the BRVO patients (p = 0.850). No correIations between SFCT and CMT were seen at any timepoint in both groups (p > 0.05). PPCT correlates with pRNFL in CRVO at 3 months, although no other correlations were found during the follow-up. In BRVO, PPCT did not show any significant correlation with pRNFL. Both in CRVO and BRVO eyes, PPCT and SFCT at diagnosis are significantly thicker compared to the fellow eye, suggesting a possible increase in CT immediately after the occlusion, which is followed by a decrease at an early follow-up stage.

Early evaluation of optic nerve head morphology and choroidal thickness after PreserFlo MicroShunt implantation

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate changes in choroidal and optic nerve morphological parameters following MicroShunt PreserFlo implantation. The secondary aim is to investigate how the structural changes relate to the decrease in intraocular pressure (IOP).MethodsProspective observational study on 15 eyes with glaucoma requiring MicroShunt implantation. Optical coherence tomography was used to measure macular choroidal thickness (MCT), peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT), lamina cribrosa depth (LCD), cup depth and prelaminar tissue thickness (PLT), before and one day after surgery. Results were expressed in median and interquartile range (IQR) and correlated with IOP results.ResultsThe IOP decreased from a median of 25 (IQR = 11) mmHg to 8 (IQR = 2) mmHg the day after surgery. Median MCT increased after MicroShunt implantation from 252.1 (IQR = 156.4) µm to a postoperative value of 318.1 (IQR = 166.6) µm (p < 0.001), with a median increase of + 87.7 µm (+ 26.4%). PCT increased from 157.2 (IQR = 109.1) µm before surgery to 206.0 (IQR = 136.1) µm after surgery (p < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant post-operative decrease in cup depth (median reduction of − 29.3 µm, p < 0.001) and an increase in PLT (median increase of 27.3 µm, p = 0.028). On the other side, LCD reduction 24 h after surgery didn’t reach any statistical significance.ConclusionPreserFlo implantation determines retinal structural changes which appear similar to those caused by traditional filtering surgery, confirming the effectiveness of this device, meantime carrying a much smaller complications rate when compared to trabeculectomy.

The Correlation of Peripapillary and Juxtapapillary Choroidal Thickness in Healthy Subjects.

PurposeTo evaluate the correlation between the two methods of measuring the choroidal thickness around the optic nerve head (ONH).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study. Sixty-two eyes of 62 healthy subjects were included. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, a peripapillary circle scan (diameter of 3.5 mm) and 24 radial B-scan images centered on the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) were obtained. Peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) and juxtapapillary choroidal thickness (JPCT) were measured using circle and radial B-scan images, respectively. Correlation and agreements between values measured by two methods were analyzed. Factors associated with PPCT and JPCT, and the difference between the values measured by the two methods were evaluated.ResultsA total of 62 eyes of 62 healthy subjects were enrolled. Average PPCT and JPCT were 165.2 ± 50.1 and 139.7 ± 39.2 μm, respectively. The linear regression analysis showed a strong correlation between both measurements (PPCT vs. JPCT, r2 = 0.900, p < 0.001). PPCT and JPCT measurements showed good agreement in global and all six sectors (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.900). Bland-Altman plot showed good agreement between the two methods with a systematic deviation of 17.9 μm and a 95% limits of agreement (±1.96 standard deviation) of −9.6 to 60.5. In multivariate regression analysis, BMO area (β = −11.87, p = 0.002) was the only factor significantly correlated with the difference between PPCT and JPCT, which showed a negative correlation. The difference between PPCT and JPCT measurements (PPCT - JPCT) showed a divergent tendency with decreasing BMO area size.ConclusionsThe two measures of choroidal thickness around the ONH were well correlated. However, the peripapillary choroid was generally thicker than the juxtapapillary choroid, especially in eyes with small BMO area.

Foveal and Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness in Adults Born Extremely, Very, and Moderately Preterm With and Without ROP-Results From the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study.

PurposeThe present study investigated the long-lasting effect of prematurity, prenatal growth restriction, and associated factors on foveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness in adulthood.MethodsThe Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) is a retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination in Germany. Foveal and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were measured at different sectors using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations among gestational age, birth weight percentile, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) occurrence and treatment, and other perinatal factors, such as maternal smoking and others with foveal and global peripapillary choroidal thickness.ResultsA total of 735 eyes of 408 study participants were included (age = 28.4 ± 8.6 years, 229 women). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that foveal choroidal thinning was associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy (B = −38.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −65.5 to −10.7, P = 0.006), whereas other perinatal factors revealed no association. Global peripapillary choroidal thinning showed a trend to a lower birth weight percentile (B = 0.22, 95% CI = −0.01 to 0.45, P = 0.057). No correlation was observed between foveal and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses with visual acuity.ConclusionsThis study indicates that maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy has adverse long-lasting effects on choroidal development in the fovea and low birth weight percentile as a surrogate marker for adverse perinatal growth might be linked with peripapillary choroidal thinning whereas prematurity showed no long-term effects.Translational RelevanceAltered choroidal layer development caused by perinatal influence factors might be a risk factor for reduced visual function and predispose affected individuals to eye diseases in later life.

The status of the choroid in patients with optic disc drusen.

To investigate the subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness (CT) and the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with optic disc drusen (ODD). This cross-sectional study examined the eyes of 17 patients with ODD and 18 healthy control subjects. The CT values were calculated manually from the images captured by enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). The CVI was defined as the proportion of the vascular area to the total choroidal area at the subfoveal and peripapillary areas after binarization of the EDI-OCT images. It was found that the mean subfoveal CVI value in the ODD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.006). The mean peripapillary CVI values were significantly lower in all of the quadrants in the ODD group when compared with the control group (p = 0.008 for the temporal quadrant, p = 0.014 for the nasal quadrant, p = 0.024 for the superior quadrant, and p = 0.038 for the inferior quadrant). Regarding the CT, there were no significant differences in the subfoveal and peripapillary CT values between the ODD group and the control group (p > 0.05 for all values). The findings of this study indicate ODD to be associated with decreased subfoveal and peripapillary CVI, even though the subfoveal and peripapillary CT values were within the normal range. This result may prove important in relation to identifying a choroidal vascular network that appears to be morphologically normal but microstructurally impaired due to ODD. Further studies are required to verify the significance of CVI in the pathogenesis and complications of ODD.

Choroidal Thickness in Eyes with Band Atrophy of the Optic Nerve from Chiasmal Compression.

Background The choroid is a vascular tissue that helps maintain retinal and prelaminar optic nerve head function. Choroidal thickness has been previously studied in diseases accompanied by retinal neural loss, but the relationship between the two sets of measurements is not clear. In eyes with temporal hemianopia as a result of chiasmal compression lesions (CCL), retinal neural loss tends to be greater in the nasal than the temporal hemiretina, a fact that may be useful in evaluating the effect of inner retinal layer loss on choroidal thickness. Purpose To evaluate macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in eyes with temporal hemianopia as a result of chiasmal compression and in healthy controls. Methods 33 eyes of 26 patients with band atrophy of the optic nerve and temporal visual field defects as a result of previously treated suprasellar tumors (CCL group) and 40 eyes of 21 healthy controls underwent SS-OCT scanning. The thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), the peripapillary choroid (pChoroid), the macular RNFL (mRNFL), the macular ganglion cell layer (mGCL), and the macular choroid (mChoroid) was expressed globally and by sector (peripapillary quadrants and macular hemifield and quadrants). Ratios between macular nasal and temporal hemifield and quadrantic measurements were calculated using generalized estimated equation models, and the two groups were compared. Results The pRNFL, mRNFL, and mGCC thicknesses were significantly smaller in the CCL group than in the control group (64.67 ± 10.53 μm, 29.68 ± 5.80 μm, and 80.60 ± 10.17 μm vs. 103.78 ± 12.23 μm, 39.89 ± 3.82 μm, and 105.51 ± 7.76 μm, respectively; p < 0.001). For the choroid, the only difference between the groups was increased macular nasal hemifield and superonasal quadrant thickness in CCL (222.47 ± 61.05 μm and 230.45 ± 58.59 μm in the CCL group, respectively vs. 190.68 ± 52.54 μm and 197.65 ± 54.80 μm in the control group, respectively; p < 0.05). The temporal/nasal ratios were significantly higher for the mRNFL and mGCC parameters and significantly lower for the mChoroid parameters in the CCL group, except for the superotemporal/superonasal quadrant ratio. Conclusions The choroid does not thin after the inner retinal layer becomes damaged due to CCL and may even be thicker in some areas with corresponding severe retinal neural loss. While further studies are needed to interpret these findings, choroidal thinning is most likely not secondary to optic nerve disease-related inner retinal neural loss.

The Effects of Nasal Septum Deviation on Ocular Examination Findings: Does Deviated Nasal Septum Cause Impaired Vision?

Aim: Nasal obstruction due to nasal septum deviation is associated with systemic diseases such as cardiopulmonary disease, neurological and vascular problems. But the effect of pure nasal deviation on the ocular system has not been precisely investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of nasal septal deviation with ocular examination findings. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven adult patients underwent septoplasty and 31 controls were included in the study. The study group was conducted on patients with pure nasal septum deviation which is significantly obstructing the nasal airway (&amp;gt;50%). In ophthalmological examination; peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macular and choroidal thickness measurements were obtained. The examination findings were compared between the study and control groups. Results: The mean macular thicknesses at nasal-500μm were 305.89±32.79 and 287.87±25.00 in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.021). The mean macular thicknesses at nasal-1000μm were 353.04±21.28 and 341.16±17.97 in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.025). The mean thickness of choroid was statistically significantly different at central (p=0.036) and peripheral measurements; nasal-500μm (p=0.020); nasal-1000μm (p=0.001); nasal-1500μm (p&amp;lt;0.001); temporal-500μm (p=0.023) and temporal-1000μm (p=0.045). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups according to ocular tension, thickness of cornea, keratometry, anterior chamber depth, axial length of cornea, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Conclusion: This is one of the pioneer studies evaluating the ocular examination findings in patients with nasal septum deviation. Our results indicate the increased thickness of both macula and choroid in patients with nasal septum deviation.