Choroidal Morphologic Features and Vascularization in Healthy Saudi Adults

Journal Article

2014

Published in: http://austinpublishinggroup.com/clinical-ophthalmology/fulltext/ajco-v1-id1018…

, Haya Maatuoq Al Farhan*, Lulwah Ahmed Al Shibel and Mohammed Abdulmaboud . 2014

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this prospective study was to assess choroidal morphology and vasculature in healthy young Saudi adults by spectraldomain optical coherence tomography imaging with confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (OCT-SLO). Methods: Eyes with the most visible choroid–sclera junction in 110 consecutive healthy subjects (mean age = 30 ± 6.20 years; range = 20–40 years; 53 women) were imaged by one examiner using an Optos OCT-SLO system. Choroidal morphologic and vascular parameters were subjectively assessed by one experienced rater. Results: All the eyes had normal foveal contour and no retinal or choroidal abnormalities. The choroid was thicker sub foveally than 750 μm nasally and temporally in all cases. Regression analysis indicated strong negative correlation between age and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (r= −0.81; P = 0.0001) and weak positive correlation between refractive error and SFCT (r = 0.10; P = 0.35). SFCT was greater in the female subjects (P = 0.04, paired t-test). Conclusion: The subfoveal region is the thickest part of the choroid in healthy Saudi adults aged 20–40 years and is thicker in women. SFCT decreases by 5.54 μm per year of age and 1.58 μm per diopter increase in myopia. Keywords: Subfoveal choroidal thickness; Choriocapillaris; Optical coherence tomography; Refractive error; age; Gender

• Publication Work Type: article
• Volume Number: 1
• Issue Number: 4
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Austin J Clin Ophthalmol.
• Pages: 1018