Structure-Function Associations of Choroidal Thickness With Retinal Sensitivity in Myopia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Myopia Research

Background:

• Myopia is associated with changes in ocular structures.
• Understanding the relationship between choroidal thickness and retinal function is crucial for myopia management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the focal relationship between choroidal thickness and retinal sensitivity in myopic eyes.
• To explore structure-function associations in the context of myopia.

Main Methods:

• Utilized swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) for choroidal thickness measurement.
• Employed microperimetry to assess retinal sensitivity at multiple locations.
• Applied deep-learning for SS-OCT scan segmentation and analyzed focal structure-function associations.

Main Results:

• Found significant correlations between choroidal thickness and retinal sensitivity in most retinal regions of myopic eyes.
• Choroidal thickness was thinner in the nasal quadrant compared to other quadrants.
• Focal structure-function models confirmed a significant effect of choroidal thickness on retinal sensitivity, adjusted for other factors.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated a significant structure-function relationship between choroidal thickness and retinal sensitivity in myopic eyes.
• Suggests the choroid plays a role in visual function in myopia.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings in diverse cohorts and longitudinal studies.