Choroidal Thickness Profile in Chorioretinal Diseases: Beyond the Macula

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Choroidal dysfunction is implicated in chorioretinal diseases.
• Choroidal thickness (CT) is a key indicator of choroidal status in ophthalmic and systemic diseases.
• OCT technologies like EDI-OCT and SS-OCT are vital for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical studies on macular and extramacular choroidal thickness (CT).
• To summarize current understanding of choroidal changes both within and outside the macula.
• To explore the clinical applications of ultrawide OCT and future choroidal parameters.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical studies utilizing Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT) and Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT).
• Analysis of choroidal thickness (CT) measurements in healthy and diseased eyes, including macular and extramacular regions.
• Examination of ultrawide OCT imaging for peripheral choroidal visualization.

Main Results:

• EDI-OCT and SS-OCT reveal choroidal dysfunction in chorioretinal diseases.
• Subfoveal CT is a reliable parameter for assessing choroidal status.
• OCT advancements allow for wider imaging, revealing extramacular CT changes.

Conclusions:

• CT measurement is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring ophthalmic and systemic diseases.
• Ultrawide OCT enhances visualization of the peripheral choroid.
• Further development of choroidal parameters is needed for comprehensive assessment.