Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness Analysis Using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Glaucoma Patients: A...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Imaging

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Understanding structural changes in the peripapillary region is crucial for glaucoma diagnosis and management.
• Peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) is a potential biomarker for glaucoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) in healthy controls and POAG patients.
• To evaluate PPCT in wide areas around the optic disc and established choroidal zones.
• To utilize a new swept-source (SS) optical coherence tomography (OCT) device for precise measurements.

Main Methods:

• Observational, prospective, cross-sectional study including 246 eyes (111 healthy, 135 POAG).
• Utilized a swept-source (SS) OCT device to generate a 26x26 cube grid centered on the optic disc.
• Established four choroidal zones to measure and compare PPCT between healthy subjects and POAG patients.

Main Results:

• Peripapillary choroidal thickness (PPCT) was significantly thinner in zones 3 and 4 in the POAG group.
• Both healthy controls and POAG patients exhibited a similar concentric pattern of choroidal thickness.
• The superior region showed the thickest choroid, followed by temporal, nasal, and inferior regions.

Conclusions:

• Peripapillary choroidal tissue demonstrates a concentric pattern in both healthy and POAG individuals.
• Glaucoma patients exhibit peripapillary choroidal thinning compared to healthy subjects.
• This thinning is more pronounced in areas further from the optic disc, suggesting potential diagnostic value.