Mapping choroidal thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes
Beatriz Abadia1, Francisco de Asís Bartol-Puyal1, Pilar Calvo1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain; Miguel Servet Ophthalmology Innovative and Research Group (GIMSO), Aragón Institute for Health Research (IIS-Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.
Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Journal Canadien D'Ophtalmologie
|November 13, 2019
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients exhibit significantly thinner choroidal thickness (CT) compared to healthy individuals. This diffuse thinning follows an ellipsoid pattern, crucial for understanding diabetic retinopathy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Diabetology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a systemic disease with known ocular complications.
- Choroidal thickness (CT) is a key parameter in ocular health, potentially affected by diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the topographic features of choroidal thickness (CT) between patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and age-matched healthy controls.
- To analyze CT variations using swept source-optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 96 T2D patients and 33 healthy controls.
- Macular scans (6x6 mm) using SS-OCT with automated choroidal segmentation.
- Creation of 3D choroidal maps and comparison of CT in different zones between groups.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in age, axial length, or spherical equivalent between groups.
- Overall CT was significantly thinner in T2D patients (169.98 µm) compared to controls (203.78 µm).
- CT showed an ellipsoid pattern, thicker superiorly and decreasing towards inferior, temporal, and nasal areas, with minimum thickness furthest from the fovea.
Conclusions:
- Choroidal thickness presents an ellipsoid pattern in both diabetic and non-diabetic eyes.
- Diabetic eyes demonstrate diffuse thinning of the choroid.
- These findings are vital for future research into the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.
