Choroidal Thickness and its Correlations with Ocular Parameters in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Choroidal Imaging

Background:

• Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
• Understanding the role of choroidal changes in glaucoma pathogenesis is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Previous studies have suggested a link between ocular parameters and glaucoma, but the specific relationship with macular choroidal thickness requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between macular choroidal thickness (mCT) and optic nerve head (ONH) and multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG) parameters in newly diagnosed POAG patients.
• To compare mCT in POAG patients with healthy controls.
• To explore the temporal changes in mCT in POAG patients undergoing treatment.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, controlled clinical trial involving 49 newly diagnosed POAG patients and 47 healthy controls.
• Measurements included macular choroidal thickness (mCT), optic nerve head (ONH) parameters, and multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG) parameters.
• Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• POAG patients exhibited significantly thinner mean mCT compared to healthy controls at all time points (p<0.05).
• In the POAG group, a significant decrease in mCT was observed in the first three months of treatment, with no significant change in the subsequent three months.
• Significant correlations were identified between mCT and specific ONH and mf-ERG parameters in the POAG group.

Conclusions:

• The choroid plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of POAG.
• The observed correlations between mCT, ONH, and mf-ERG parameters support the involvement of the choroid in glaucoma.
• The study suggests that glaucomatous damage may initiate in the inferior quadrant of the optic nerve head.