Peripapillary choroidal vascularity quantification and characterization in healthy individuals

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• The choroidal vascular index (CVI) offers a more robust measure of choroidal vascularity compared to traditional choroidal thickness measurements.
• Characterizing peripapillary choroidal vasculature is crucial for understanding ocular health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the peripapillary choroidal vasculature in healthy individuals using the choroidal vascular index (CVI).
• To compare macular CVI with peripapillary CVI across different age groups.

Main Methods:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scans of the peripapillary choroid were analyzed using automated binarization.
• The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was calculated as the ratio of vascular area to total choroidal area.
• Regression analysis and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were employed to assess demographic influences on CVI.

Main Results:

• Fifty-eight eyes from 29 healthy individuals were analyzed, with a mean age of 42±17 years.
• Average macular CVI was 0.583, while average peripapillary CVI ranged from 0.598 (temporal) to 0.643 (nasal).
• A significant positive correlation was found between age and peripapillary CVI, particularly in individuals over 45 years old.

Conclusions:

• Peripapillary CVI is consistently higher than macular CVI across all age groups.
• Age significantly impacts peripapillary CVI after 45 years, suggesting age-related changes in choroidal vascular structure.
• The findings suggest a greater decline in stromal area than luminal area in the aging peripapillary choroid.