Structure versus function: correlation between outer retinal and choroidal thicknesses measured by swept-source OCT
Ignacio Flores-Moreno1,2, Luis Arias-Barquet1, Marcos J Rubio-Caso1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bellvitge University Hospital, Feixa Llarga, s/n, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona Spain.
International Journal of Retina and Vitreous
|August 11, 2017
Summary
A thicker choroid correlates with better retinal function, as measured by visual acuity and electroretinogram. This study links choroidal thickness to improved retinal health in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Vision Science
Background:
- Assessing the relationship between retina-choroidal anatomy and visual function is crucial for understanding retinal diseases.
- Swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) provides detailed anatomical information, while best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) assess retinal function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate retina-choroidal anatomical measurements from SS-OCT with functional measures like BCVA and mfERG.
- To investigate the relationship between outer retinal and choroidal thickness and retinal function in patients, including those with neovascular AMD.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-three eyes from 33 patients (16 with neovascular AMD, 17 controls) underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examination.
- Measurements included BCVA, SS-OCT for outer retinal and choroidal thickness, and mfERG for P1 amplitude.
- Statistical analysis compared anatomical and functional parameters.
Main Results:
- Better BCVA correlated with thicker outer retina foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness.
- Higher mfERG P1 amplitude (R1, R2, and average) was associated with thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness.
- Outer retina foveal thickness did not show a significant correlation with mfERG P1 amplitude.
Conclusions:
- Choroidal thickness is positively correlated with retinal function, indicated by both BCVA and mfERG.
- A thicker choroid is associated with better retinal function in the studied sample.
- These findings highlight the importance of choroidal health in maintaining visual function.
