Analysis of Choroidal Thickness in Children with Congenital Aniridia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Congenital aniridia is a rare genetic disorder affecting iris development.
• Choroidal thickness (CT) plays a crucial role in ocular health and function.
• Previous research has not extensively detailed choroidal characteristics in congenital aniridia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare choroidal thickness (CT) in children diagnosed with congenital aniridia against age-matched healthy controls.
• To analyze subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and parafoveal CT at various intervals from the fovea.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, observational study involving 32 children with congenital aniridia (64 eyes) and 40 healthy controls (80 eyes).
• Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure SFCT at 750-μm intervals up to 1.5 mm temporally and nasally.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare CT between groups and assess correlations with axial length.

Main Results:

• Mean SFCT was significantly thinner in aniridic eyes (207.67 ± 30.99 μm) compared to control eyes (288.55 ± 30.06 μm) (P < .001).
• Parafoveal CT at 0.75 mm and 1.5 mm intervals was also significantly reduced in eyes with aniridia (P < .001).
• A significant negative correlation was observed between SFCT and axial length in aniridic eyes (B = -10.60, P = .017).

Conclusions:

• Congenital aniridia is associated with significantly reduced subfoveal and parafoveal choroidal thickness.
• These findings suggest potential alterations in choroidal development or structure in congenital aniridia.
• The observed choroidal changes may offer new insights into the pathophysiology of congenital aniridia.