Correlation between choroidal thickness and intraocular pressure control in primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Choroidal Imaging

Background:

• Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) is a significant cause of vision loss.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) control is crucial in managing PACG.
• The role of choroidal thickness (CT) in PACG management is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between choroidal thickness (CT) and IOP control in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).
• To identify factors associated with increased choroidal thickness in PACG.
• To assess the prognostic value of choroidal thickness asymmetry in PACG.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-one patients (102 eyes) with PACG underwent subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) scanning using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography.
• Patients were categorized into controlled IOP (≤21 mm Hg) and uncontrolled IOP (>21 mm Hg) groups based on maximal medical therapy.
• Correlation analysis was performed between CT, intereye CT difference, and disease parameters including IOP, optic nerve head cupping, visual field-mean deviation (VF-MD), and pattern standard deviation (PSD).

Main Results:

• Mean SFCT was significantly higher in the uncontrolled IOP group (294.46 ± 51.05 μm) compared to the controlled IOP group (245.57 ± 62.10 μm) (P < 0.01).
• Factors associated with thicker choroids included younger age, higher IOP, and greater optic nerve head cupping (P < 0.001).
• Intereye asymmetry in CT was significantly associated with poorer VF-MD and PSD, indicating a worse visual prognosis.

Conclusions:

• A thicker choroid in PACG eyes may indicate a risk factor for inadequate IOP control with medical therapy.
• Significant intereye difference in choroidal thickness is a poor prognostic sign in PACG.
• PACG patients with thicker choroids or intereye asymmetry require close monitoring and potentially more aggressive management strategies.