Choroidal Thinning Research Articles

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.

Ocular blood flow and retinal, choroidal, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with familial Mediterranean fever with at least five attacks.

This study aimed to evaluate ocular blood flow and, retinal, choroidal and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) with patients who had at least five attacks. Fifty-six patients with FMF and 56 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Each participant's choroidal thickness (CT) and retinal thickness (RT) measurements were performed in the foveola and at horizontal nasal and temporal quadrants within 500-μm intervals up to 1.500μm from the foveola using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography as well as the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT). Disc boundaries were determined manually by identifying seven points on the inner edge of the scleral ring. Following complete ophthalmological evaluation, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistivity index (RI) values in the central retinal artery (CRA), ophthalmic artery (OA), and nasal posterior ciliary artery (NPCA) were measured using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) in the left eyes of the patients diagnosed with FMF and the controls. The results were subsequently compared. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of all RNFLT quadrant and RT measurements. All CT measurements were thinner in patients with FMF than in the controls (For Central and Temporal_1500 p = 0.01; For Temporal_500, Nasal 500 and Nasal_1000 p < 0.001; Temporal_1000 p = 0.002) except than the Nasal_1500 point. For nasal_1500 p = 0.121). The PSV and EDV values in the OA, CRA, and NPCA were significantly lower in patients with FMF compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 for all). In contrast, the RI values of all arteries were significantly higher than in the control group (Regarding OA, CRA and NPCA RI, p = 0.003, p = 0.039, and p = 0.039, respectively). The results of this study support the idea that chronic inflammation and frequent attacks in FMF may have an effect on decreased ocular blood flow and choroidal thinning.

A Pediatric COVID-19 Study: Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Ganglion Cell Layer, and Alterations in Choroidal Thickness in Swept-Source OCT Measurements.

To investigate early covid measurements of central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and choroidal thickness (ChT) in children recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study was carried out 4 weeks after completed COVID-19 treatment. The diagnosis of the Alpha variant COVID-19 was made by the polymerase chain reaction test after prediagnosis with clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. A total of 46 children were included in the study. Pediatric patients who received COVID-19 treatment comprised the COVID-19 group (24 children), and healthy children were enrolled in the control group (22 children). Only the right eyes of the participants were enrolled in the study. All pediatric patients in the COVID-19 group required hospitalization without the need for intubation. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to measure CMT, RNFL, and GCL thickness, and ChT measurements. The COVID-19 and control groups had similar mean values of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent, axial length, and CMT (p > 0.05 for all). RNFL thickening, GCL, and choroidal thinning were observed in all SS-OCT measurements of COVID-19 children. However, RNFL thickening was significant only in the global and nasal peripapillary quadrants. GCL thinning was significant in the nasal/inferior sector (p < 0.002 for all). Some significant correlations were observed between the mean levels of inflammatory markers and OCT measurements (p < 0.002). This study may be among the first reports of SS-OCT examination of COVID-19 children. OCT measurements showed changes in retinal and ChT in the COVID-19 children as in adult patients.

Alterations of choroidal circulation and vascular morphology in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia before and after chemotherapy

BackgroundChronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is known to cause leukemic retinopathy due to leukemia cell invasion into the choroid; however, details of the circulatory dynamics and morphological changes in the choroid are unknown. The aim of this study was to present a case of leukemic retinopathy and examine choroidal circulatory and structural analyses using laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) and optical coherence tomography with a binarization method, respectively.Case presentationA 15-year-old male diagnosed with CML complained of blurred vision in his right eye. He was ophthalmologically diagnosed with leukemic retinopathy due to retinal hemorrhage in both eyes. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors achieved complete cytogenetic remission and resolution of retinal hemorrhages at 6 months after treatment. After the treatment, the best-corrected visual acuity had recovered from 0.1 to 1.2 oculus dexter (OD) and remained at 1.5 oculus sinister (OS). The rate of change in macular blood flow assessed by the mean blur rate on LSFG was 18.3% increase OD and 25.2% decrease OS 19 months after treatment. The central choroidal thickness showed 0.4 and 3.1% reductions OD and OS, respectively. The binarization technique demonstrated that the rate of luminal areas in choroidal areas exhibited 3.2% increase OD but 4.8% decrease OS.ConclusionChoroidal blood flow improved OD after treatment for CML, while it deteriorated OS, together with choroidal thinning due to reduction of luminal areas. The degrees of leukemia cell invasion into the choroidal tissue and tissue destruction might be different between the eyes in this case.

Correlation of choroidal thickness with age in healthy subjects: automatic detection and segmentation using a deep learning model.

The proposed deep learning model with a mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN) can predict choroidal thickness automatically. Changes in choroidal thickness with age can be detected with manual measurements. In this study, we aimed to investigate choroidal thickness in a comprehensive aspect in healthy eyes by utilizing the Mask R-CNN model. A total of 68 eyes from 57 participants without significant ocular disease were recruited. The participants were allocated to one of three groups according to their age and underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) or enhanced depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT) centered on the fovea. Each OCT sequence included 25 slices. Physicians labeled the choroidal contours in all the OCT sequences. We applied the Mask R-CNN model for automatic segmentation. Comparisons of choroidal thicknesses were conducted according to age and prediction accuracy. Older age groups had thinner choroids, according to the automatic segmentation results; the mean choroidal thickness was 253.7 ± 41.9μm in the youngest group, 206.8 ± 35.4μm in the middle-aged group, and 152.5 ± 45.7μm in the oldest group (p < 0.01). Measurements obtained using physician sketches demonstrated similar trends. We observed a significant negative correlation between choroidal thickness and age (p < 0.01). The prediction error was lower and less variable in choroids that were thinner than the cutoff point of 280μm. By observing choroid layer continuously and comprehensively. We found that the mean choroidal thickness decreased with age in healthy subjects. The Mask R-CNN model can accurately predict choroidal thickness, especially choroids thinner than 280μm. This model can enable exploring larger and more varied choroid datasets comprehensively, automatically, and conveniently.

Daily or Less Frequent Topical 1% Atropine Slows Defocus-Induced Myopia Progression in Contact Lens-Wearing Guinea Pigs

PurposeThis study compared the efficacy of topical 1% atropine applied daily versus every 3 days for controlling myopia progression in guinea pigs.MethodsTo induce myopia, pigmented guinea pigs (New Zealand strain, n = 38) wore monocular −10 D rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses, which were replaced after 3 weeks with −15 diopter (D) contact lenses. Animals were treated with 1% atropine either daily (Atr-QD; n = 12), or every 3 days (Atr-Q3D; n = 11), or with artificial tears (control group; n = 15). Spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) and axial length (AL) data, as well as retinal and choroidal thickness data were collected weekly.ResultsWhereas mean (±SEM) interocular differences (treated - fellow) in both SER and AL at week 0 (baseline) were similar for all groups, significant differences between the atropine-treated and control groups were evident by week 6 (SER and AL, P < 0.001). The treated eyes of the control group showed relatively more axial elongation and myopia progression than both the Atr-QD and Atr-Q3D groups. Choroidal blood vessel area also decreased over time in the treated eyes of the control group, coupled with choroidal thinning overall, with these changes being attenuated by atropine. Retinal thickness showed a developmental decrease over the treatment period but was unaffected by atropine.ConclusionsFor this defocus-induced guinea pig model of myopia, application of 1% topical atropine slows myopia progression, even when applied every 3 days.Translational RelevanceThe results from this study suggest that the frequency of dosing for topical atropine may be reduced from the widely used daily dosing regimen without loss of myopia control efficacy.

Assessment of Choroidal Vascularity and Choriocapillaris Blood Perfusion After Accommodation in Myopia, Emmetropia, and Hyperopia Groups Among Children.

PurposeTo investigate choroidal vascularity (CV) and choriocapillaris blood perfusion before and after accommodation in myopia, emmetropia, and hyperopia groups among children.MethodsThis study included 39 myopic eyes from 22 subjects, 17 emmetropic eyes from 11 subjects, and 18 hyperopic eyes from 10 subjects. All subjects were children. Choroidal thickness (CT) and CV, including total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), and stromal area (SA) were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Choriocapillaris luminal area (CLA) was measured using SS-OCT-angiography before and after accommodation (near reading with an additional −3 diopter lens).ResultsFor baseline results, except horizontal CV (showing no significant differences between myopia and emmetropia groups), both horizontal and vertical CT and CV were significantly smaller in the myopia group than in the emmetropia or hyperopia groups. In terms of CLA, no significant differences were observed among the myopia, emmetropia, and hyperopia groups. In addition, only myopic eyes showed significant decreases in CT and CV, whereas most CT and CV of emmetropic and hyperopic eyes showed non-significant decreases after accommodation. Furthermore, accommodation induced no significant changes in CLA in the myopia, emmetropia, or hyperopia groups.ConclusionMyopia had thinner baseline choroid and lower baseline choroidal blood perfusion. Furthermore, myopic eyes were more prone to choroidal thinning and blood perfusion decreases after accommodation.

Incidence of myopic shift and related factors in young Chinese adults

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Myopia is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and myopia progression in young adulthood may worsen this public health issue. Background The aim was to describe the changes in myopia and various ocular biometry parameters, and to determine the incidence and related factors of myopic shift among young adults in China. Methods This 2-year prospective cohort study was conducted at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yet-san University, China. A total of 291 Chinese medical freshmen (314 enrolled at baseline) were followed over 2 years. The participants underwent detailed eye examinations at baseline and follow-up visits, including cycloplegic refraction, ocular biometry measurements, and swept-source optical coherence tomography. Visual fatigue was assessed with the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) using Rasch analysis. Questionnaire on eye care habits and physical activities was administered. Results A total of 291 study participants (baseline mean [SD] age, 18.7 [0.9] years; 132 [45.4%] male) were analysed. Seventy eight (26.8%) developed a myopic shift (defined as negative change in spherical equivalent worse than or equal to −0.50 D) over a 2-year period. The magnitude of subfoveal choroidal thinning was greater in participants with myopic shift, compared to those without. Axial length increased significantly by 0.12 mm in the group with myopic shift, compared to 0.02 mm in those without the myopic shift (p < 0.001) over 2 years. After multivariable adjustment, visual fatigue (using CISS) was found to be associated with the myopic shift (p = 0.02). Conclusions Approximately one in four Chinese medical students had a clinically significant myopic shift. Choroidal thinning and axial elongation were observed in young adults with myopic shift. Greater visual fatigue score at baseline was associated with myopic shift after multivariable adjustment.

Retinal and choroidal vascular changes in newly diagnosed celiac disease: An optical coherence tomography angiography study.

Purpose:To investigate the retinal and choroidal microcirculation changes in celiac disease (CD) patients via optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).Methods:This cross-sectional study included 44 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed CD and 44 healthy pediatric subjects. The vascular densities (VD) of the superficial, deep, and choriocapillar plexuses (VDs, VDd, and VDcc, respectively) (%), the superficial and deep foveal avascular zones (FAZs and FAZd) (%), the central macular thickness (CMT) (mm), and the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (mm) were measured with swept-source OCT-A in addition to a complete ophthalmological examination.Results:Mean ages of the CD patients and the healthy participants were 12.02 ± 2.9 and 13.6 ± 2.3 years, respectively. The central sectors of the VDs and VDd measurements were found to be significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.006; P = 0.001, respectively), and the temporal and nasal values of the VDcc measurements were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.05 for both values). CMT and FAZ metrics did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). SFCT was significantly reduced (p = 0.001), and choroidal thinning was more considerable in female CD patients (p = 0.045).Conclusion:CD seems to affect macular and choroidal microcirculation. The reduced choriocapillaris plexus parameters and choroidal thickness may provide disease activity information.

Choriocapillaris Changes in Myopic Macular Degeneration.

PurposeMyopic macular degeneration (MMD) can cause irreversible vision loss. Thinner choroid is associated with increased MMD severity. This cross-sectional study analyzed choriocapillaris (CC) alterations in MMD.MethodsAxial length (AL), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus photography, and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) were assessed in controls and high myopes (spherical equivalent ≤ −6 diopters). Myopic patients with grade 2 MMD (macular diffuse chorioretinal atrophy [MDCA]), high axial myopia (AL ≥ 26.5 mm), and BCVA ≥ 20/40 were compared with controls without MMD. CC mean thickness was measured from 3 × 3-mm SS-OCTA scans by identifying CC peaks in A-scan intensity profiles. CC flow deficit percent (CC FD%) was quantified using a fuzzy C-mean local thresholding method on en face OCTA images. Multivariate regressions compared CC thickness and CC FD% between myopic patients and controls, correcting for age and other confounders.ResultsSixteen eyes with MDCA (AL, 26.96–33.93 mm; ages, 40–78 years) were compared with 51 control eyes (AL, 21.65–25.84 mm; ages, 19–88 years). CC thickness in patients with MDCA was 66% lower than that in controls (5.23 ± 0.68 µm [mean ± SD] vs. 15.46 ± 1.82 µm; P < 0.001). CC FD% in patients with MDCA was 237% greater than in controls (26.5 ± 4.3 vs. 11.2 ± 4.6; P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with MDCA with good visual acuity had thinner CC and increased CC FD%, or reduced CC flow, compared with controls. Patients with grade 2 MMD and good visual acuity demonstrated significant choriocapillaris alterations, suggesting that choriocapillaris perfusion defects contribute to the pathogenesis of MMD.Translational RelevanceGiven the potential vascular etiology for MMD, current research about revascularization of ischemic retina likely has implications for the treatment of MMD.

Progression pattern of myopic maculopathy according to the severity of diffuse chorioretinal atrophy and choroidal thickness

This observational cohort study aimed to evaluate the progression pattern of diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (DCA) according to its severity. Highly myopic eyes with DCA were graded according to its extent in the 532-nm (green) and 633-nm (red) wavelengths images of the Optos ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscope at baseline: grade 1 and 2 were defined when increased reflectance at peripapillary region, not beyond the fovea, were observed in red laser image only and in both laser images, respectively; grade 3 and 4 were defined when increased reflectance beyond the fovea were observed in red laser image only and in both laser images, respectively. A total of 307 eyes (221 patients) were included, and progression of myopic maculopathy during follow-up of ≥ 3 years was evaluated. The mean visual acuity and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) differed among DCA grades (P = 0.015 and P < 0.001); a higher DCA grade had worse visual acuity and thinner choroid. During follow-up, development of patchy atrophy (PA) was observed in 3.2%, 5.5%, 12.8%, and 23.2% (P < 0.001), while changes in lacquer crack (LC) and/or development of myopic macular neovascularization were observed in 20.6%, 29.1%, 33.3%, and 15.8% (P = 0.061) of 63, 110, 39, and 95 eyes with DCA grade of 1, 2, 3, and 4 at baseline, respectively. New LC formation tended to occur in eyes with thicker CT at baseline compared to PA development and progression of pre-existing LC. In highly myopic eyes with DCA, progression pattern of myopic maculopathy is different according to its severity and CT at baseline. Grading based on separated wavelength images of ultra-widefield scanning laser ophthalmoscope is useful to evaluate the severity and prognosis of DCA in Asian patients with high myopia.

Three-Dimensional Choroidal Vascularity Index in High Myopia Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography

ABSTRACTPurposeTo characterize the choroidal vasculature in high myopic eyes by three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index (CVI) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).Subjects and MethodsA cross-sectional observational study of 98 right eyes from 98 consecutive nonpathological myopic patients, including 46 high myopes (HM) and 52 low to moderate myopes (LMM). OCT and OCT angiography covering an area of 6 × 6 mm2 centered on the fovea was conducted with a commercially available SS-OCT device. Three-dimensional CVI was defined as the ratio of choroidal vessel volume (CVV) to total choroidal volume. With the built-in automated quantification software, we assessed choroidal vascular and stromal features: three-dimensional CVI; CVV; choriocapillaris flow density and choroidal stroma volume (CSV) apart from choroidal thickness (CT).ResultsCompared to LMM, there was a significant reduction in three-dimensional CVI, CVV and CSV along with choroidal thinning in HM at both subfoveal and macular regions (all P < .01). The nasal quadrant had both the lowest CVI and the thinnest choroid. The greatest CVI was at the subfovea, while the choroid at the subfovea was thinner than that at the superior, temporal, and inferior quadrants. Multiple linear regression indicated that choroidal characteristics (CVI, CVV, CSV, CT) were mainly negatively correlated with axial length (all P < .01) instead of myopic spherical equivalent (all P > .05).ConclusionsBesides two-dimensional choroidal thinning, we also found the axial length-related reduction of three-dimensional choroidal vessel and stroma components in high myopic eyes without myopic maculopathy. The quadrantal distribution characteristics of three-dimensional CVI indicate the subfovea and the nasal quadrant to be the essential quadrants for monitoring the choroidal vasculature alteration in the progression of myopia. The novel quantitative analyses of the choroidal vasculature by three-dimensional CVI may help to characterize the underlying pathophysiology of nonpathological high myopia.

Two-year longitudinal change in choroidal and retinal thickness in school-aged myopic children: exploratory analysis of clinical trials for myopia progression

BackgroundWith increasing axial length and myopia progression, the micro-structure of the retina and choroid gradually changes. Our study describes the longitudinal changes in retinal and choroidal thickness in school-aged children with myopia and explores the relationship between changes in choroidal thickness and myopia progression.MethodsAn exploratory analysis of a randomized trial was performed. Children (n = 168, aged 7 to 12 years) with myopia from − 0.75 dioptre (D) to − 4.00 D were enrolled in this prospective longitudinal study. Cycloplegic refraction, axial length (AL), retinal and choroidal thicknesses were measured at baseline and at 1- and 2-year follow-ups. “Rapid progression myopia” was defined as increasing in myopia > 1.00 D and “stable progression myopia” was ≤ 1.00 D during the 2-year follow-up. Factors affecting the changes in choroidal thickness were analysed using linear mixed models.ResultsAL significantly increased by 0.67 ± 0.24 mm with a myopic shift of − 1.50 ± 0.64 D over the 2 years. The overall retinal thickness increased from 251.12 ± 15.91 µm at baseline to 253.47 ± 15.74 µm at the 2-year follow-up (F = 23.785, P < 0.001). The subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased from 231.03 ± 54.04 µm at baseline to 206.53 ± 59.71 µm at the 2-year follow-up (F = 73.358, P < 0.001). Choroidal thinning was significantly associated with AL elongation (β = − 43.579 μm/mm, P = 0.002) and sex (β = − 17.258, P = 0.001). Choroidal thickness continued to decrease in subjects with rapid progression (F = 92.06, P < 0.001) but not in those with steady progression (F = 2.23, P = 0.119).ConclusionSignificant choroidal thinning was observed and was associated with rapid progression and sex. These findings indicate a need to understand the role of the choroid in eye growth and myopia development.Synopsis/PrecisThe macular choroidal thickness of myopic children is relevant to different degrees of myopic progression in this 2-year longitudinal study. These findings suggest that control of choroidal thickness might work to regulate human ocular growth.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR): ChiCTR-INR-16007722

HYPERREFLECTIVE FOCI AS IMPORTANT PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS OF PROGRESSION OF RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA.

To investigate the presence and clinical relevance of hyperreflective foci (HRFs) in retinitis pigmentosa. Seventy seven retinitis pigmentosa cases were retrospectively reviewed. The 10-mm wide cross-line macular scans in optical coherence tomography were acquired. Hyperreflective foci were classified according to the location in optical coherence tomography: outer layers within the macula (HRF-outer-central), macular border beyond the central 3 mm (HRF-outer-perifoveal), and choroid (HRF-choroidal). The visual acuity at baseline, at 12 months, and other fundus characteristics were collected. The mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity decreased from 0.59 ± 0.66 (20/78 in Snellen) to 0.74 ± 0.81 (20/106 in Snellen) in 1 year. Sixty-six (42.9%), 105 (68.2%), and 98 (63.6%) eyes were classified to HRF-outer-central, HRF-outer-perifoveal, and HRF-choroidal group, respectively. Hyperreflective foci were positively correlated with poorer vision, central macular thinning, and ellipsoid zone disruption (all P < 0.001). Worse vision was associated with older age, macular involvement, and the coexistence of two or three HRF groups (P = 0.014, 0.047, 0.019, <0.001, respectively). Hyperreflective foci developed more frequently in patients with thick choroid than in those with thin choroid. The coexistence of three HRF groups was correlated with quicker visual deterioration (P = 0.034). Hyperreflective foci are common in retinitis pigmentosa and can be a negative prognostic indicator of macular thickness and visual preservation. Thick choroid was associated with all groups of HRFs, especially HRF-choroidal.

Contributory factors for developing foveal neovascularization in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Foveal neovascularisation (NV) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is uncommon. The study aim is to analyse a series of cases of foveal NV in PDR and ascertain the factors leading to its development. In this retrospective case-control study, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) images of PDR cases with/without foveal NV diagnosed on fluorescein angiography were analysed. From 124 consecutive PDR eyes, foveal NV was identified in 12 (10%) eyes. Eyes with foveal NV showed thin choroid (p = 0.001), increased FAZ area and reduced vessel density at the macula compared to control group on OCT and OCTA. After regression analysis, an increased FAZ in the superficial capillary plexus slab (p = 0.002) was associated with foveal NV development. Our case series suggest that foveal NV is an uncommon finding, occurring due to reduced choroidal and inner retinal perfusion at the macula. Further studies are required to assess the treatment outcomes in such eyes.

Choroidal Morphologic and Vascular Features in Patients With Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization and Different Levels of Myopia Based on Image Binarization of Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose: To characterize the choroidal morphologic and vascular features in different levels of myopes and patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV).Methods: A total of 148 subjects were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, including 78 low-to-moderate myopes (LMM), 53 high myopes (HM), and 17 high myopic patients with mCNV. Ocular biometrics were measured using an optical low-coherence reflectometry device. Retinal and choroidal imaging was performed using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retinal parameters including retinal thickness and retinal volume were obtained from a built-in software. Binarization technique was adopted to investigate choroidal parameters including choroidal thickness (CT), vascular area, stromal area, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI). Choroidal parameters were measured at five locations to cover as much area of choroid as possible, and their patterns of distribution were further analyzed.Results: Patients with mCNV had an atrophic retina of comparable thickness to HM (273.65 ± 17.28 vs. 276.49 ± 13.29 μm, p = 0.47), but the choroid was thinner than that of HM (153.94 ± 15.12 vs. 236.09 ± 38.51 μm, p < 0.001). Subfoveal CVI was greatest in the mCNV eyes (0.651 ± 0.009), followed by HM (0.645 ± 0.012) and LMM eyes (0.636 ± 0.012). Similar to CT, CVI was also found significantly different among these three groups at all five locations (p for trend < 0.001 for all locations). Axial length (AL) was negatively correlated with retinal volume (r = −0.236, p = 0.009), which is the only significant finding in associations between ocular factors and retinal parameters. Strong, negative correlations were identified between AL and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT, r = −0.820, p < 0.001). However, AL was positively correlated with subfoveal CVI (r = 0.668, p < 0.001). CVI was greater in myopic eyes with thinner choroid (r = −0.578, p < 0.001). BCVA exhibited no significant association with CVI (r = 0.139, p = 0.092), but was negatively correlated with SFCT (r = −0.386, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with AL (r = 0.351, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Choroid in patients with mCNV was thinner yet more vascularized than that in HM and LMM subjects. CVI increased with a longer AL which was associated with a smaller SFCT, choroidal vascular area (VA), and total choroidal area (TCA). Better BCVA was achieved in subjects with thicker SFCT and shorter AL.

Topical Ketotifen Fumarate Inhibits Choroidal Mast Cell Degranulation and Loss of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in Rat Model for Geographic Atrophy.

PurposeThis study evaluates whether topical ketotifen fumarate (KTF) can prevent geographic atrophy (GA)-like phenotypes in a rat model.MethodsPharmacokinetics (PKs) of KTF after topical administration twice daily for 5 days was analyzed in rat retina, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid/sclera, and in plasma by an liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Rats were then given hydrogel implants +/- 48/80 in the superior subconjunctival space and topically treated with 1% and 0.25% of KTF or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) twice daily. Rats were euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postinjection. Choroidal mast cells (MCs) were stained with nonspecific esterase and the RPE monolayer was labeled with RPE65 and ZO-1 in whole mount choroids. Retinal and choroidal areas were determined in cryosections stained with picrosirius red. Dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) was also performed to evaluate retinal function.ResultsPK results showed the highest level of KTF (average 5.6 nM/mg) in the RPE/choroid/sclera in rats given topical 1% KTF. Topical 1% KTF significantly reduced choroidal MC degranulation at 1 week and 2 weeks (both P < 0.001) and RPE loss at 4 weeks (P < 0.001) as well as retinal and choroidal thinning (both P < 0.001) and reduction in ERG amplitude at 8 weeks (P < 0.05) compared to PBS. Similar results were obtained with 0.25% KTF.ConclusionsBoth 1% and 0.25% KTF eye drops effectively reduced MC degranulation, RPE loss, and retinal and choroidal thinning while preventing the decline of ERG amplitude in a GA-like rat model. These data suggest that topical KTF might be a new therapeutic drug for treating GA.Translational RelevanceThe results of this study demonstrate that topical KTF successfully reduced GA-like phenotypes in a rat model and may provide a novel therapy for GA.

Choroidal Thickness in Advanced Glaucoma Patients

Purpose: We investigated choroidal thickness according to the classification of glaucoma and related factors in patients with advanced glaucoma.Methods: The present study included 133 eyes of 133 advanced glaucoma patients with a mean deviation of &lt;-12 dB. Patients were classified into primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) groups. Factors related to the subfoveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness were analyzed using linear regression analysis.Results: The mean peripapillary choroid thickness was 99.20 ± 46.85 µm in the NTG group, which was significantly thinner than in the POAG group (121.85 ± 45.39 µm, p = 0.006). Additionally, in the sectoral comparison, the NTG group had thinner choroids than the POAG group in all areas (p &lt; 0.05 for all). In the linear regression analysis, glaucoma class (p = 0.007), age (p = 0.005), and intraocular pressure (IOP) (p = 0.024) significantly affected the peripapillary choroid thickness. Moreover, age (p = 0.029) and macular thickness (p = 0.002) were significantly associated with subfoveal choroid thickness.Conclusions: In advanced glaucoma, low baseline IOP, NTG, and old age were significantly associated with a thin peripapillary choroid, suggesting an association between thin peripapillary choroid and the etiology of NTG. Further studies are needed to clarify the significance of a thin choroid in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.

Toxic retinopathy and optic neuropathy in long-term tacrolimus intake

Tacrolimus is an effective immunosuppressive agent that is widely used in transplant surgery. Rare complications of its usage include optic neuropathy or maculopathy development.&#x0D; AIM: To present a clinical case of tacrolimus-induced optic neuropathy and retinopathy&#x0D; CLINICAL CASE. A family with a 17-year-old boy was referred to Helmoltz National Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases with complaints of sudden painless decreased vision in his right eye. The best-corrected visual acuity was the right eye of 0.3 and the left eye of 1.0. Ophthalmoscopy of his right eye revealed pigment mottling in the macula and paramacular region, mid-peripheral patchy pigment deposition in 2, 4, and 8 clock meridians. No pathological findings were revealed in his fellow eye. From the anamnesis, 15 years ago, the patient underwent liver transplantation (Alagille syndrome). From the moment of surgery to the date he received tacrolimus. Optical coherence tomography highlighted foveal smoothing, ellipsoid zone and retinal pigment epithelium disruption, macular and paramacular choroid thinning, and neuroretinal rim thickening. Computed microperimetry revealed a significantly decreased sensitivity in the central retinal zone of the right eye. Autofluorescence examination showed multiple punctate hypoautofluorescent spots in the macula and paramacula in the right eye, as well as hyperautofluorescent zones in the posterior pole in both eyes. Electric activity analysis has revealed decreased full-field electroretinogram parameters and P100 amplitude in visually-evoked potentials in the right eye and a decreased a-wave full-field electroretinogram of the left eye. The data provided by the parents suggest that the target tacrolimus concentration in plasma was exceeded 2 times just before the patient noticed vision impairment. Differential diagnoses included infectious and non-infectious posterior uveitis.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The first case of combined retinopathy and optic neuropathy in adolescents induced by long-term tacrolimus treatment was described.

Clinical Significance of Choroidal Thickness in Eyes with Ocular Ischemic Syndrome.

PurposeTo determine the clinical significance of choroidal thickness and evaluate changes in choroidal thickness over time in eyes affected by ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS).MethodsMedical records of 16 patients diagnosed with OIS between November 2017 and August 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. In every nine areas of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grid, we compared the differences in choroidal thickness between the eyes with OIS and unaffected eyes, and its change in the OIS eyes during the follow-up period using swept-source optical coherence tomography. We analyzed the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fluorescein angiography (FAG) parameters, systemic diseases, and the duration of symptoms. Correlation between FAG parameters and the choroidal thickness value ratio in the OIS eyes and the unaffected eyes, and changes in the choroidal thickness in the OIS eyes during follow-up were investigated.ResultsMedian age of the subjects was 67.5 years. In the OIS eyes, all FAG parameters were delayed at the initial examination. Best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure were significantly different between the OIS and unaffected eyes. While the choroidal thickness in every nine areas of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study in the OIS eyes was lesser than the unaffected eyes, the choroidal thickness of inner temporal, outer nasal, and outer temporal area showed statistically significant difference. During follow-up, changes in choroidal thickness of OIS eyes as well as correlation between the FAG parameters and the choroidal thickness value ratio between the OIS eyes and the unaffected eyes were not found to be statistically significant.ConclusionsThe choroidal thickness of the eyes with OIS was significantly less compared with the unaffected eyes. We inferred that choroidal thinning takes place in the early phase of the disease as the changes in choroidal thickness during the follow-up period were not significant.