Choroidal Thickness Analysis in Patients with Usher Syndrome Type 2 Using EDI OCT

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Usher Syndrome type 2 is a genetic disorder affecting vision and hearing.
• Choroidal thickness changes are not well-characterized in Usher Syndrome type 2.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for disease comprehension and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze choroidal thickness in Usher Syndrome type 2 patients.
• To compare findings with healthy subjects and non-syndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) patients.
• To investigate correlations between choroidal thickness and clinical parameters.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated 20 eyes from 10 Usher Syndrome type 2 patients.
• Performed comprehensive ophthalmologic exams, including EDI OCT for retinal and choroidal measurements.
• Utilized statistical analysis to correlate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) with age and other clinical data.

Main Results:

• Mean SFCT was 248.21 ± 79.88 microns.
• SFCT significantly decreased with age (p < 0.01).
• SFCT was significantly reduced compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.01) but not non-syndromic RP patients (p = 0.2138).

Conclusions:

• In vivo choroidal thickness reduction is demonstrated in Usher Syndrome type 2.
• These findings contribute to understanding Usher Syndrome pathogenesis.
• Data may inform the development of future therapeutic interventions for Usher Syndrome.