Choroidal Morphology and Photoreceptor Activity Are Related and Affected by Myopia Development

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Primate research
• Vision science

Background:

• The choroid plays a vital role in regulating eye growth and is implicated in myopia-associated ocular complications.
• Understanding choroidal changes in myopia is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between choroidal biometry, photoreceptor activity, and myopic progression in marmosets with induced myopia.
• To identify potential biomarkers for myopic changes in the choroid.

Main Methods:

• Lens-induced myopia was created in common marmosets.
• Cycloplegic refraction, vitreous chamber depth, and choroidal morphology were assessed using autorefraction, A-scan ultrasonography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
• Photoreceptor activity was measured via the a-wave of the full-field electroretinogram.

Main Results:

• Myopic marmoset eyes exhibited significant reductions in subfoveal choroidal thickness (ChT), total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI).
• These choroidal alterations correlated with refractive error and vitreous chamber elongation.
• A decrease in the a-wave amplitude of the electroretinogram was observed, linked to choroidal changes.

Conclusions:

• Myopia induction in marmosets leads to significant alterations in choroidal morphology.
• These anatomical changes are associated with reduced photoreceptor function.
• Choroidal alterations may serve as early indicators of reduced visual performance and potential chorioretinal complications in myopia.