Choroidal Patterns in Stargardt Disease: Correlations with Visual Acuity and Disease Progression

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Genetics

Background:

• Stargardt disease (STGD) is a progressive retinal disorder.
• Understanding choroidal changes is crucial for STGD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify choroidal patterns in STGD.
• To correlate these patterns with clinical findings and disease progression.

Main Methods:

• 100 STGD eyes and 100 controls underwent Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT Angiography (OCTA).
• Four choroidal patterns were identified and analyzed quantitatively.
• Correlations with retinal structure, function, and one-year changes were assessed.

Main Results:

• STGD eyes showed significantly worse best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and deteriorated OCT/OCTA parameters compared to controls.
• Choroidal patterns ranged from normal to severe with caverns (Pattern 4).
• Advanced patterns correlated with greater retinal damage and significant progression in Patterns 3 and 4.

Conclusions:

• Identified choroidal patterns are linked to STGD severity and progression.
• These patterns serve as indicators for retinal structural status and visual acuity loss.
• Choroidal morphology influences disease trajectory in Stargardt disease.