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Objectives: To evaluate the effects of short-acting cycloplegic agents, tropicamide and compound tropicamide, on ocular biological parameters and choroid thickness. Methods: In this study, seventy pediatric subjects aged 6 to 13 years were randomly assigned to two groups: the tropicamide group and compound tropicamide group. Ocular biological parameters and choroidal thickness (CT) and subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) were measured in both groups and were retested 40 min after drug administration. The tropicamide eye drops were administered into the conjunctival sac every 5 min with 1 drop, for a total of 4 doses. Compound tropicamide was administered in the same way as tropicamide. Ocular biological parameters included refraction (spherical equivalent, SE), intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), central corneal thickness (CCT), and white to white (WTW). The CT is the regional inferior choroidal thickness of nine sectors centered on the macular fovea and automatically generated using an ETDRS grid. And the SFCT is the choroidal thickness at the subfoveal point of the macular region. Results: After application of tropicamide and compound tropicamide to induce the ciliary muscle paralysis, SE, AL, and LT decreased, while ACD, CCT, and WTW increased compared to baseline(all P values < 0.05). There was no significant change in IOP before and after cycloplegia (p > 0.05). The CT in the nasal quadrant before and after ciliary paralysis was significantly thinner than other areas, the CT in the temporal quadrant was significantly thicker than others, and the CT in the inner quadrant was higher than the CT in the outer quadrant. In the tropicamide group: CT was significantly increased in the remaining quadrants except the inner inferior(I) and outer superior(S) quadrants (p < 0.05), and SFCT was also significantly increased (p = 0.005). In the compound tropicamide group: there is a significant increase in CT outer superior(S) quadrant CT (p = 0.043). Increase in the mean values of CT and SFCT in the remaining quadrants was also observed, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Additionally, AL and SFCT were negatively correlated. Conclusions: Some ocular biological parameters were altered after application of short-acting cycloplegic agent tropicamide and compound tropicamide to paralyze the ciliary muscle. Compared with compound tropicamide, tropicamide eye drops can reduce axial length while increasing choroid thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous conditions, both physiological and pathological, can influence changes in the retinal vascular architecture. In order to be able to highlight pathological aspects of systemic diseases with ocular activity, it is necessary to understand how physiological fluctuations can influence circulation at the retinal level. The present study attempts to evaluate retinal and choroidal vascular and structural changes in healthy female subjects over the course of a menstrual cycle using OCT-A. Methods: We analyzed 22 eyes from healthy reproductive women with a regular menstrual cycle. We performed five OCT-A scans of the subjects every 7–8 days over the course of a month starting from the first day of the menstrual cycle and ending with the first day of the next cycle, measuring perfusion density in the superficial and deep vascular plexuses, choroidal thickness, and FAZ perimeter. Results: There are physiological variations in retinal hemodynamics that can be identified using OCT-A, choroidal thickness having statistically significant increased values in the parafoveal nasal sector during the ovulatory phase (289.18 µm) compared to the early follicular phase (281.9 µm), and the subfoveal sector during the ovulatory phase (319.04 µm) compared to the early follicular phase (308.27 µm). Conclusions: These findings along with abnormally small FAZ perimeters indicate that the menstrual cycle phase should be considered whenever interpreting OCT-A results. Further studies that include larger cohorts, control groups, and hormone serum levels are necessary to confirm and correlate retinal vascular alterations and the phase of the menstrual cycle using OCT-A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to investigate the effect of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) on the posterior segment structures of the eye and its changes with intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) treatment. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study included 29 eyes of 29 patients with RVO (17 males and 12 females) followed for 6 months. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macula, choroid ticknesses and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) obtained by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were recorded at baseline and the first, third, and sixth months after the first injection. Results were compared with fellow eyes (non-affected eyes) and age- and sex-matched controls. Results: BCVA increased significantly in the 6th month, more in the first month of injection (p < 0.05 for each). Central macular tickness, subfoveal choroid tickness, stromal and total area of choroid decreased significantly after injection (p < 0.05 for each). CVI values increased significantly, especially in the 1st month after injection (p < 0.05 for each). In eyes with Branch RVO, there was a significant decrease in the macular thickness of the occlusive areas with treatment, while there was no statistically significant change in the non-occlusive macular thickness. Conclusion: Observation of changes in choroidal structure may be useful to assess the activity of RVO and predict the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy. Key messages: What is known • Retinal vein occlusion is one of the most common retinal vascular diseases after diabetic retinopathy. • The main role of choroid is to supply nutrients to the outer retina, but the hemodynamics of the cho-roidal circulation is not yet fully understood. What is new • Choroidal vascularity index was lower in retinal vein occlusion compared to controls, but increased signifi-cantly with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, especially at 1 month after injection. • The choroidal thickening observed in retinal vein occlusion appears to result from stromal edema, possibly triggered by elevated intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor levels, rather than direct vascular dilatation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the effects of short-acting cycloplegic agents, tropicamide and compound tropicamide, on ocular biological parameters and choroid thickness. Methods In this study, seventy pediatric subjects aged 6 to 13 years were randomly assigned to two groups: the tropicamide group and compound tropicamide group. Ocular biological parameters and choroidal thickness (CT) and subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) were measured in both groups and were retested 40 min after drug administration. The tropicamide eye drops were administered into the conjunctival sac every 5 min with 1 drop, for a total of 4 doses. Compound tropicamide was administered in the same way as tropicamide. Ocular biological parameters included refraction (spherical equivalent, SE), intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), central corneal thickness (CCT), and white to white (WTW). The CT is the regional inferior choroidal thickness of nine sectors centered on the macular fovea and automatically generated using an ETDRS grid. And the SFCT is the choroidal thickness at the subfoveal point of the macular region. Results After application of tropicamide and compound tropicamide to induce the ciliary muscle paralysis, SE, AL, and LT decreased, while ACD, CCT, and WTW increased compared to baseline(all P values 0.05). The CT in the nasal quadrant before and after ciliary paralysis was significantly thinner than other areas, the CT in the temporal quadrant was significantly thicker than others, and the CT in the inner quadrant was higher than the CT in the outer quadrant. In the tropicamide group: CT was significantly increased in the remaining quadrants except the inner inferior(I) and outer superior(S) quadrants (p 0.05). Additionally, AL and SFCT were negatively correlated. Conclusions Some ocular biological parameters were altered after application of short-acting cycloplegic agent tropicamide and compound tropicamide to paralyze the ciliary muscle. Compared with compound tropicamide, tropicamide eye drops can reduce axial length while increasing choroid thickness.

Abstract To use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to measure scleral thickness (ST) and subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) in patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) and to conduct a correlation analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted. From May 2022 to December 2022, a total of 34 cases (68 eyes) of untreated unilateral Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) patients were recruited at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University. Among these cases, 31 were temporal branch vein occlusions, 2 were nasal branch occlusions, and 1 was a superior branch occlusion. Additionally, 39 cases (39 eyes) of gender- and age-matched control eyes were included in the study. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) was used to measure ST at 6 mm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the limbus, while Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT) was used to measure SFCT. The differences in ST and SFCT between the affected eye, contralateral eye, and control eye of BRVO patients were compared and analyzed for correlation. The axial lengths of the BRVO-affected eye, contralateral eye, and control group were (22.92 ± 0.30) mm, (22.89 ± 0.32) mm and (22.90 ± 0.28) mm respectively, with no significant difference in axial length between the affected eye and contralateral eye (P > 0.05). The SFCT and ST measurements in different areas showed significant differences between the BRVO-affected eye, contralateral eye in BRVO patients (P 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in SFCT and temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior ST between the two groups (P 0.05). In BRVO patients, both SFCT/CRT and ST increase, and there is a significant correlation between SFCT/CRT and the ST at the site of vascular occlusion.

To use Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to measure scleral thickness (ST) and subfoveal choroid thickness (SFCT) in patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) and to conduct a correlation analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted. From May 2022 to December 2022, a total of 34 cases (68 eyes) of untreated unilateral Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) patients were recruited at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University. Among these cases, 31 were temporal branch vein occlusions, 2 were nasal branch occlusions, and 1 was a superior branch occlusion. Additionally, 39 cases (39 eyes) of gender- and age-matched control eyes were included in the study. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) was used to measure ST at 6 mm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the limbus, while Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT) was used to measure SFCT. The differences in ST and SFCT between the affected eye, contralateral eye, and control eye of BRVO patients were compared and analyzed for correlation. The axial lengths of the BRVO-affected eye, contralateral eye, and control group were (22.92 ± 0.30) mm, (22.89 ± 0.32) mm and (22.90 ± 0.28) mm respectively, with no significant difference in axial length between the affected eye and contralateral eye (P > 0.05). The SFCT and ST measurements in different areas showed significant differences between the BRVO-affected eye, contralateral eye in BRVO patients (P < 0.05). The CRT of BRVO-affected eyes was significantly higher than that of the contralateral eyes and the control eyes (P < 0.001). In comparison between BRVO-affected eyes and control eyes, there were no statistically significant differences in age and axial length between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in SFCT and temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior ST between the two groups (P < 0.05). The difference in temporal ST between the contralateral eyes and the control eyes was not statistically significant (t = − 0.35, P = 0.73). However, the contralateral group showed statistically significant increases in SFCT, nasal, superior and inferior ST compared to control eyes (t = − 3.153, 3.27, 4.21, 4.79, P = 0.002, 0.002, < 0.001, < 0.001). However, the difference between the CRT of the contralateral and control eyes was not statistically significant (P = 0.421). When comparing SFCT and ST between BRVO-affected eyes with and without macular edema, no statistically significant differences were found (t = − 1.10, 0.45, − 1.30, − 0.30, 1.00; P = 0.28, 0.66, 0.21, 0.77, 0.33). The thickness of SFCT and temporal ST in major BRVO group is higher than the macular BRVO group and the difference was statistically significant (t = 6.39, 7.17, P < 0.001 for all). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that in BRVO patients, there was a significant positive correlation between SFCT/CRT and temporal ST (r = 0.288, 0.355, P = 0.049, 0.04). However, there was no correlation between SFCT/CRT and nasal ST, superior ST, and inferior ST (P > 0.05). In BRVO patients, both SFCT/CRT and ST increase, and there is a significant correlation between SFCT/CRT and the ST at the site of vascular occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate the relationship between blood biochemical parameters and choroidal thickness(CT)in naïve-treatment of patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy(NPDR).METHODS: Prospective cross-sectional study. A total of 92 patients(92 eyes)with naïve-treated NPDR were selected in the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from July 2021 to July 2022. All of the patients included in this study were subjected to ophthalmologic examination including enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography(EDI-OCT), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), fundus fluorescence angiography, intraocular pressure, slit lamp and fundus examination. At the same time, they were also underwent hematological examination including blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), serum creatinine, uric acid, urea, β2 microglobulin, high density lipoprotein(HDL), low density lipoprotein(LDL), serum calcium, serum potassium and other tests. According to the glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)and CT, the patients were divided into normal, mild and moderate to severe renal function group, pachychoroid group and the leptochoroid group. The blood biochemical indexes, CT differences and theirs correlation were analyzed in naïve-treated NPDR patients.RESULTS: A total of 92 cases(92 eyes)were included in this study, with 51 males(51 eyes), 41 females(41 eyes), 45 right eyes and 47 left eyes. There was no significant difference in age, axial length and disease duration among the three groups(all P>0.05). There were significant differences in nasal 0.5, 1.5mm, subfoveal and temporal 0.5, 1.5mm CT among three groups(all P0.05). There were significant differences in creatinine, eGFR, uric acid, urea, potassium and β2-microglobulin between the pachychoroid group and the leptochoroid group(all P0.05). CT was negatively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid and β2-microglobulin, and positively correlated with eGFR. Multiple regression analysis showed that the thicker the nasal 0.5mm CT, the higher the eGFR(B=0.292, P0.05).CONCLUSION: In patients with naïve-treated NPDR, the thicker the CT, the better the renal function. The decrease of CT in newly diagnosed NPDR patients is an important hint to pay attention to the renal function.

High myopia is a state of refractive error with myopia over -6.00D. High myopia is typically accompanied by multiple fundus lesions, thus making patients with high myopia suffer from varying degrees of impairment in visual function. As an emerging auxiliary way in ophthalmology, optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA)can efficiently and non-invasively obtain microvascular stratified images of the retina and choroid and quantitatively analyze blood flow signals. Since the advent of OCTA, there have been numerous studies observing fundus changes in those with high myopia through OCTA. In this paper, some studies in which OCTA is applied to obtain retinal and choroidal thickness from patients with high myopia are reviewed, with a view to revealing the correlation between high myopia and the parameters such as retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, vessel density and the area of the foveal avascular zone and providing novel ideas to deeply investigate the mechanism of high myopia and delay the occurrence and development of high myopia.

The literature review discusses the impact of scheduled hemodialysis on the state of the anterior part of the eye, the chorioretinal complex, the central and peripheral vision. The hemodialysis procedure is accompanied by a decrease in basal tear production, quickening of the tear film break-up, and an abnormal ocular surface disease index. Thinning of the corneal center is not accompanied by significant keratometric changes. Intradialytic thinning of the choroid and reduction of ocular perfusion pressure may be involved in the progression of ischemic eye diseases. Lower visual acuity is associated with the instability of the lens and choroid thickness. The impact of hemodialysis on the peripheral vision has not been sufficiently investigated. The correlations of ophthalmic changes with systemic effects of the dialysis are ambiguous. The inconsistency of the research results requires that the research should be continued.

Aim: Nasal obstruction due to nasal septum deviation is associated with systemic diseases such as cardiopulmonary disease, neurological and vascular problems. But the effect of pure nasal deviation on the ocular system has not been precisely investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of nasal septal deviation with ocular examination findings. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven adult patients underwent septoplasty and 31 controls were included in the study. The study group was conducted on patients with pure nasal septum deviation which is significantly obstructing the nasal airway (>50%). In ophthalmological examination; peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macular and choroidal thickness measurements were obtained. The examination findings were compared between the study and control groups. Results: The mean macular thicknesses at nasal-500μm were 305.89±32.79 and 287.87±25.00 in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.021). The mean macular thicknesses at nasal-1000μm were 353.04±21.28 and 341.16±17.97 in the study and control groups, respectively (p=0.025). The mean thickness of choroid was statistically significantly different at central (p=0.036) and peripheral measurements; nasal-500μm (p=0.020); nasal-1000μm (p=0.001); nasal-1500μm (p

PurposeTo determine the characteristics of longitudinal choroidal thickness (CT) and axial length (AL) changes in a group of Chinese young adults with various refractive errors.MethodsIn this 2 year prospective cohort study, a total of 291 (314 enrolled at baseline) Chinese medical freshmen aged 18 to 22 years (mean age, 18.7 ± 0.9 years) underwent eye examinations at baseline and follow-up visits, including cycloplegic refraction, ocular biometry measurements, and swept-source optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness measurements were performed at nine locations in the macular area.ResultsAt baseline, the CT and AL was significant differences among groups of emmetropia, mild to moderate myopia and high myopia. During a two-year period, there were significant differences found in the changes of the subfoveal CT (p 0.05). The multivariable linear regression analysis showed that baseline subfoveal CT (per 1 μm) was a significant factor affecting the changes of subfoveal CT (p

Background: Choroidal thickness [CT] is associated with many ocular conditions. Different generations of optical coherence tomography [OCT] are important for clinical application.Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of myopia on CT by the use of enhanced depth imaging [EDI] OCT and correlate the measured data with both the axial length [AL] and the refraction.Patients and Methods: A Cross-sectional study included 80 adult patients of both sexes. The patients were divided into 4 groups: [G1, control]: 20 emmetropic subjects. [G2]: 20 myopic patients with refraction up to -6 D. [G3]: 20 myopic patients with refraction >-6 D up to -10 D and [G4]: 20 myopic patients with refraction > -10 D. Spectralis OCT has been utilized in assessing CT in subfoveal region, 500, 1000 and 1500 um temporal and nasal to fovea.Results: A highly statistically significant variation existed among groups considering AL and refraction with G4 having higher values and G2 and G1 having lower values. Regarding CT, the highest value was found in G1 and 2, followed by G3, but the lowest value was found in G4. There was significant positive correlation between refraction in all patients and their AL [p< 0.001], and significant negative correlation appeared between refraction and AL in all patients regarding their all measures of CT [nasal, temporal and subfoveal] [p < 0.001].Conclusion: Myopia with different degrees caused a decrease in CT compared to its thickness of healthy eyes, with marked thinning in advanced myopia.

Background and Objective: One of the most common extracutaneous complications in psoriasis patients is ocular complications, which is controversial concerning its effect on choroidal thickness. This study aimed to compare the psoriasis patients with healthy individuals in terms of the thickness of the choroidal layer using the optical coherence tomography technique. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 30 psoriasis patients were compared with 32 healthy individuals who were matched for gender and age. Choroidal thickness was measured in both groups using the optical coherence tomography technique. Furthermore, the relationship of the choroidal thickness with the severity and duration of the disease was assessed in patients. Results: The mean choroidal thickness of the left eye (312.1±12.0 mµ vs. 296.3±20.8 mµ), right eye (310.6±12.5mµ vs. 297.5±17.5mµ), and regardless of the left or right eye (311.3±12.2 mµ vs. 296.9±19.1mµ) was significantly higher in patients, compared to the control group (P=0.001 for all three mean values). No significant relationship was found between disease duration and severity with choroid thickness. Moreover, the patients with multiple limb involvement had a higher mean choroid thickness; however, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, patients with psoriasis have a greater choroidal thickness, compared to healthy individuals, which is not related to the severity, type of involvement, and duration of the disease.

AIM: To analyze the effects of vitrectomy and macular epiretinal membrane dissection combined with or without internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling on choroid thickness, vision and metamorphopsia in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM).METHODS: Totally 88 patients(88 eyes)with IMEM admitted to the hospital were selected between January 2016 and January 2020. They were divided into group A and group B by random number table method with 44 eyes in each group. Patients in group A were treated with vitrectomy and macular epiretinal membrane dissection combined with ILM peeling, while patients in group B were treated with vitrectomy and macular epiretinal membrane dissection. The choroid thickness, vision, metamorphopsia, central macular thickness(CMT), ellipsoid zone(EZ)continuity were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: Compared with preoperative, the sub-foveal choroidal thickness(SFCT), choroidal thickness 1 000μm from nasal side central of fovea(NFCT)and choroidal thickness 1 000μm from temporal side central of fovea(TFCT)were significantly reduced in the two groups at 3mo and 6mo after operation(P0.5). Compared with preoperative, the best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)LogMAR was reduced, while mean sensitivity(MS)was increased in the two groups. The number of scotoma points(SP)increased in group A and decreased in group B. Group A had significantly lower MS and higher SP than group B at 1mo, 3mo, and 6mo after operation(P0.05). Compared with preoperative, CMT was significantly reduced in the two groups at 1, 3 and 6mo after operation. The ratio of EZ continuity in group A at 1mo after operation was significantly lower than that before operation. The CMT of group A was larger than that of group B at 3mo and 6mo after operation(P0.05).CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy and macular epiretinal membrane dissection combined with or without ILM peeling both can improve vision and metamorphopsia in patients with IMEM, with similar effects on choroid thickness and safety. However, combined use of ILM peeling will lower MS and increase SP as well as CMT. Therefore, it has no significant advantages in the treatment of patients with IMEM.

Amblyopia is a common eye disease in children. If not corrected and treated in time, it will cause irreversible damage to children's vision, resulting in loss of vision in one or both eyes. The pathogenesis of amblyopia is complex, and the specific pathogenesis is not clear at present, mainly focusing on the central theory and peripheral theory. Traditionally, there was no obvious organic change in the fundus of amblyopia patients. In recent years, optical coherence tomography(OCT)technology has developed rapidly. As a convenient and intuitive ophthalmic examination method, OCT has been increasingly used in retinal examination of amblyopia patients due to its advantages of safety, non-invasive, non-contact and rapid and clear. The abnormal anatomy structures of the amblyopia patients in fundus structure are also gradually been found. Providing some evidence and basis for peripheral theory of pathogenesis of amblyopia, amblyopia examine, postoperative evaluation and prognosis. In this article, the applications of OCT in retinal thickness, choroid thickness and vessel density are reviewed.

PurposeTo explore the possible molecular mechanism by which epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) regulates choroid thickness (CT) in the development of myopia.MethodsIn total, 131 subjects were divided into the emmetropia (EM) group, non-high myopia (non-HM) group and high myopia (HM) group. Their age, refraction, intraocular pressure, and other ocular biometric parameters were collected. A 6 × 6 mm area centered on the optic disc was scanned by coherent optical tomography angiography (OCTA) to measure CT, and the tear concentrations of EFEMP1 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Twenty-two guinea pigs were divided into the control group and the form-deprivation myopia (FDM) group. The right eye of the guinea pig in the FDM group was covered for 4 weeks, and the diopter and axial length of the right eye of the guinea pig were measured before and after the treatment. After the measurement, the guinea pig was euthanized, and the eyeball was removed. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting assays and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of EFEMP1 in the choroid.ResultsThere were significant differences in CT among the three groups (p < 0.001). CT was positively correlated with age in HM (r = −0.3613, p = 0.0021), but no significant correlation with SE (p > 0.05) was observed. Furthermore, there were increased levels of EFEMP1 in the tears of myopic patients. After 4 weeks of covering the right eye of the FDM guinea pigs, there was a significant increase in axial length and a decrease in diopter (p < 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of EFEMP1 was significantly increased in the choroid.ConclusionChoroidal thickness was significantly thinner in myopic patients, and the expression level of EFEMP1 in the choroid increased during the development of FDM. Therefore, EFEMP1 may be involved in the regulation of choroidal thickness in myopia patients.

Background: Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disorder that results from the autoimmune destruction of cutaneous melanocytes. Several ocular abnormalities, including uveitis, dry eye, glaucoma, and retinal diseases, have been reported in patients with vitiligo. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of ocular abnormalities with vitiligo. Methods: This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021224167) and adhered to MOOSE checklist and PRISMA guidance for all processes. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies examining the association between ocular abnormalities and vitiligo from inception to December 10, 2020. Studies recruiting patients with Sjogren's syndrome or Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome were excluded. The primary outcomes were the Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) of vitiligo patients compared to the controls. The risk of bias of the selected studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) of case-control studies. Results: This meta-analysis of 16 case-control studies showed that patients with vitiligo had significantly lower Schirmer test values (mean difference [MD], −1.65; 95% CI, −2.81 to −0.49), shorter TBUTs (MD, −4.66; 95% CI, −7.05 to −2.26), higher ocular surface disease indices (MD, 18.02; 95% CI, 5.7–30.35), and thinner subfoveal choroidal thicknesses (MD, −53.10; 95% CI, −69.84 to −36.36). No significant differences were found in the prevalence of glaucoma and the level of intraocular pressure. Conclusions: Our study supports an association between dry eye and thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with vitiligo. Dermatologists should be aware of these possible comorbidities and refer vitiligo patients with ocular symptoms to ophthalmologists for further management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatic immune disease, as a group of recurrent systemic diseases, involves the vascular system through inflammatory factors. Eye reaction can be used as a sign of rheumatic immune reactivation or disease aggravation, together with the first systemic manifestation of rheumatic immune disease. As a part of the most abundant blood flow in the eyes, choroid is an excellent evaluation index for ocular involvement, and it is greatly affected by systemic vascular diseases. And optical coherence tomography provides a scientific and accurate measuring tool for the observation of choroid thickness. However, whether changes in choroid thickness can be utilized as markers of disease activity, and progression, our results require further research. In this paper, the changes of choroid thickness in rheumatic immune diseases are analyzed.

The aim is to evaluate the long-term effects of high and low altitudes on the choroid. This study was a cross-sectional retrospective study. The individuals were divided into two groups according to the altitude where those lived. Those living at low altitude (Sakarya) were included in the low altitude group (LAG), and those living at high altitude (Ağrı) were included in the high altitude group (HAG). Sub-foveal choroidal thicknesses of both groups were compared. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness. The average of subfoveal CT in LAG was 270.3±22.2µm, whereas it was 275.1±21.0 µm in HAG. No significant difference in choroid thickness was observed in between the groups ( P= 0.334).The choroid may have the ability to autoregulate and maintain a constant blood flow to the retina under different conditions. [Med-Science 2022; 11(1.000): 335-7]

Copyright of Journal of Tepecik Education & Research Hospital / İzmir Tepecik Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Dergisi is the property of Logos Medical Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Myopia is a common ophthalmic deficiency. The structure and function of choroid layer is assumed to be associated with myopia. In this study, a laboratory developed spectral domain optical coherence tomography scanning system is used to image human eyes. The axial resolution of the system is about 7 µm, and the acquisition rate is 100 kHz. Firstly, a cross-sectional image was acquired by averaging 100 images from imaging posterior segment of each eye. The choroid thickness was measured by 11 discrete points. The average thickness of normal human eyes was (0.296 ± 0.126) mm, whereas the average choroid thickness of myopic eyes was (0.220 ± 0.095) mm. Afterwards, the T test is used to calculate the data statistically. The analysis of the final result is based on the average thickness measured and the thickness of each measuring point. There was a significant difference in choroid thickness between myopia and normal eyes (P value < 0.01), which indicates that the choroid thickness of myopia was significantly thinner than that of normal eyes. Besides, there are findings that the choroidal thickness in nasal side is thinner than that in the fovea and temporal side in each eye. The choroidal thickness on temporal side in myopia eye has the most significant difference comparing with that in normal eye. The comprehensive evaluation of myopia and normal choroidal thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography may provide an important reference for the development of medical methods for diagnosis and treatment of myopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the Spectral-Domain Optic Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) findings of chronic renal failure (CRF) and renal transplant (RTx) patients. Methods: Sixty eyes of thirty patients with CRF and 60 eyes of thirty RTx patients were enrolled in the study. A thorough ophthalmologic examination was applied to each patient, including the following parameters: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment examination, central corneal thickness (CCT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), foveal thickness (FT), and choroid thickness (ChT) measurements. Results: Distribution of the primary disease, gender and the median duration of RTx and CRF (18 and 36 months respectively, p=0.390) were similar between the groups, and the difference was not significant. The mean age of patients in the CRF group was statistically higher than that of the RTx group (57.5±10.6 and 44.4±11.9 years respectively, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of BCVA, IOP, CCT, FT, and ChT values between the groups. Left C/D ratios in the left eye of RTx group were significantly higher than the CRF group (0.401±0.031 and 0.342 ±0.027 respectively, p=0.035). Temporal inferior (TI) RNFLT values in the left eye of RTx group were significantly higher than the CRF group (144.76±4.24μm and 135.09±3.91μm respectively, p=0.005) Conclusion: There was no remarkable difference in SD-OCT findings between the two groups, except the significantly higher RNFLT (TI) values in left eye of RTx patients. The result of our study shows that renal transplantation might have a positive effect on retinal morphology and retinal functions. Our results should be supported with further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Tepecik Education & Research Hospital / İzmir Tepecik Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Dergisi is the property of Logos Medical Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The amount of light reaching to the retina is an important factor for photophobia formation. Therefore, investigation of iris thickness in patients with migraine can be valuable for revealing their susceptibility to photophobia. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the iris epithelial and stromal thickness, retinal ganglion cell layer (RGCL) thickness, and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness of patients with migraine. Methods: Forty-nine migraine patients (Group 1) and 50 control participants (Group 2) were included into this study. For obtaining standard measure in all participants, the epithelial and stromal thickness of dilatory and sphincter iris muscle was measured from the equal distance to the pupillary margin by using anterior segment mode of optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Additionally, RNFL and RGCL thicknesses were measured by using posterior segment mode of OCT (PS-OCT). Results: The epithelial thickness of iris sphincter muscle and the epithelial thickness of iris dilatory muscle was found to be significantly higher in patients with migraine compared to control subjects (p<0.001, p=0.001 respectively). Additionally the stromal thickness of both iris sphincter and iris dilatory muscle (p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively) as well as the total thickness of iris sphincter and iris dilatory muscle was significantly higher in patients with migraine than control subjects (p<0.001, p=0.02 respectively). However, no significant difference was found between patients with migraine and control subjects in terms of RNFL and RGCL thicknesses (p=0.1 and p=0.7 respectively). Conclusion: The finding of high epithelial and stromal iris thickness in patients with migraine may support the possible role of increased pupillary dynamic in photophobia formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore changes of choroidal blood flow post vitrectomy in idiopathic macular hole(IMH), and to discuss the role of choroidal microstructure changes abnormality in macular hole formation.METHODS: Totally 56 eyes of 56 patients diagnosed with unilateral IMH were included(2014-05/2015-12). All patients received pars planar vitrectomy, indocyanine green assisted inner limiting membrane peeling combined with intraocular +12%C3F8 tamponade. Patients with cataract received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. Choroidal thicknesses were measured at 9 points before and at 1, 3 and 6mo after the surgery, namely the fovea, 1mm and, 3mm above, below, nasal and temporal to the fovea.RESULTS: Preoperative SFCT value was 233.43±84.638μm, and at 1, 3, 6mo follow-up SFCT were 242.46±88.199μm, 238.97±89.252μm, and 236.71±88.661μm, respectively. SFCT at 1mo after surgery was significantly increased compared to preoperative thickness(P3mm)(179.63±62.941μm, 179.74±65.981μm, 180.80±58.379μm)gradually increased compared with those before the surgery(170.89±57.040μm). However, there was no significant difference between ICT3mm values at each time point. 1, 3, and 6mo after the surgery the choroidal thickness at 1mm below the fovea(ICT1mm)(216.31±80.297μm, 214.54±75.693μm, 205.69±68.697μm)compared with those before the surgery(207.37±67.502μm)have statistical significance. Compared 6mo after the surgery with 1mo after the surgery have statistical significance with ICT1mm values at each time point(PCONCLUSION: SFCT of the study eyes showed a transient increase at 1mo follow up, then gradually returned to the base line. As the macular hole successfully closed, the choroidal thickness didn't not show difference compared with baseline, indicating that the decreasing in choroidal thickness is possibly the cause to the formation of the macular hole, not the results. IMH postoperative choroidal thickness values change by location, which may be due to the oppression by the injected gas in the macular hole surgery.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in the retinal and choroidal thickness between high myopic amblyopia (HMA), low myopia (LM), moderate myopia (MM), high myopia (HM), and normal group (NG) using a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Materials and MethodsA total of 75 Chinese children (128 eyes; mean age 10.5 years) were recruited. Retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal thickness (CT) were measured at different locations including subfoveal (SF), and at 0.5 mm/1.0 mm/1.5 mm/2.0 mm/2.5 mm/3.0 mm to the fovea in superior, nasal, inferior, and temporal sectors using enhanced depth imaging (EDI) system of SD-OCT. Axial length (AL), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and refraction errors were also collected.ResultsNo significant differences were found in subfoveal retinal thickness (SFRT). Moreover, a significantly thinner subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was found in HMA compared to NG, LM, and MM, but not compared to HM. RT at 0.5 mm to fovea, HMA was significantly thinner compared to LM and MM in the three sectors (superior, inferior, and temporal). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found compared to NG and HM. CT at 0.5 mm to fovea, HMA was the significantly thinnest in all four sectors compared to NG, LM, and MM. RT at 1.0 mm/1.5 mm/2.0 mm/2.5 mm/3.0 mm to fovea, HMA was thinner compared to NG, LM, and MM. CT at 1.0 mm/1.5 mm/2.0 mm/2.5 mm/3.0 mm to fovea, HMA was thinner compared to NG, LM, and MM. At the superior and inferior sectors, HMA showed to be statistically thinner compared with HM. Moreover, SFCT in the HMA, HM, and NG were negatively correlated with AL.ConclusionsThinner retina and choroidal tissue appear to be related to HMA, and thus can be used as useful parameters for discovering the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

Aim: Evaluation of choroid thickness in 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancies by Enhanced Depth Imaging –EDI Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT). Patients and Methods: In this study, the subfoveal, 2 mm nasal, 2 mm temporal choroidal thicknesses of both eyes in 40 pregnant and 40 non-pregnant (control) women were evaluated. The pregnant women were categorized in 2 groups, 20 being 16-24 weeks pregnant (second trimester) and 20 being 24-39 weeks pregnant (third trimester). The average age of the pregnant women and non-pregnant women was calculated as 27.4±5.8 and 26.9±7.1, respectively. Results: The choroid thicknesses in the pregnant women were recorded by EDI-OCT as follows; right eye subfoveal 295.3±51.8μm, 2 mm nasal 242.4±49.2μm, 2 mm temporal 252.3±52.9μm and left eye subfoveal 298.4±66.7μm, 2 mm nasal 251.5±54.7μm, 2 mm temporal 263.6±64.3μm. The control group was recorded as follows; right eye subfoveal 307.8±64.5μm, 2 mm nasal 267.6±54.2μm, 2 mm temporal 292.9±50.9μm and left eye subfoveal 295.3±71.3μm, 2 mm nasal 269.6±63.7μm, 2 mm temporal 292.0±59.5μm. The comparison of the choroid thicknesses in the pregnant subjects and the control group shows that the thickness in the 2 mm nasal (p=0.032) and 2 mm temporal (p=0.001) areas of the right eye and 2 mm temporal (p=0.044) area of the left eye is significantly different. No significant difference was observed in the other areas (p>0.05) Conclusions: In this study, choroidal thickness measurement with EDI OCT was found to be thinner in pregnant patients compared to similar age group.

Purpose: to evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and other anatomical parameters of the eye in the early stages after orthokeratological correction of myopia. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on 20 myopic Caucasian patients (40 eyes) with moderate myopia. The main group consisted of 10 children with myopia -4.5 ± 1.03 D aged 11 ± 2.26 years, who were examined before the correction with orthokeratological lenses (OK-lenses) ESA-DL (Dr Lens Tehno, Russia) and 3 weeks after it. The control group comprised 10 patients (20 eyes) with myopia -3.84 ± 1.12 D aged 11.6 ± 1.17 years, who wore monofocal glasses as a correction. SFCT was measured with RS-3000 Advance optical coherent tomograph (OCT) (Nidek, Japan), while axial length (AL), peripheral eye length (PEL), and anterior chamber depth (ACD) was measured with IOL Master 500 optical biometer (Carl Zeiss, Germany), and central cornea thickness (CCT), epithelial thickness (ET) and corneal stroma (ST) thickness, with OCT Avanti Rtvue XR (Optovue, USA). All patients were tested before and 3 weeks after the start of wearing lenses or glasses. Results. SFCF increased by 24.25 ± 19 μm as compared with changes in the control group (p < 0.001) after 3 weeks of wearing OK-lenses. A notable negative correlation of changes in AL and SFCT was revealed in the main group (r = -0.48). CCT decreased by 14.6 ± 2.54 μm in the group wearing OKlenses. The main OK-lens contribution to the statistically significant change in the CCT concerned the epithelium, whose thickness showed a 12.7 ± 1.58 μm (22.6 %) change as compared with the initial data (p < 0.001) and with the change in the control group (p < 0.001). The decrease in AL showed an insignificant correlation with the decrease in the CCT: r = 0.16. ACD, PEL and ST did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Conclusion. SFCT shows an increase in the early stages after OK correction. When controlling the growth of the eye in patients with OK lenses, we need to take into account the impact of the choroid on the results of AL measurement.

To investigate the change and recovery of choroid thickness after short-term application of 1% atropine gel and its influencing factors in 6-7-year-old children. 71 right eyes of 71 children were enrolled and divided into myopia and control group. 1% atropine gel was administered twice a day for one week and then stopped. Spherical equivalent (SE), accommodative amplitude (AA), keratometry (K), axial length (AL), and choroidal thickness (CT) were obtained at baseline and 1st, 4th, and 8th weeks. CT was measured at subfovea and 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior from the fovea using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. In both groups, all CTs increased following the change in SE, AA, and AL after administration of 1% atropine for one week. They gradually recovered to baseline levels seven weeks after withdrawal. The change (Δ) in CT at 3 mm superior from the fovea was significantly higher in the myopia group than in the control group. In both groups, ΔCT at subfovea had no significant correlation with SE, AA, and AL, both at baseline and one week. However, ΔCT at subfovea was negatively correlated with ΔAL in the control group. One-week application of 1% atropine gel may increase CT in 6-7-year-old Chinese children. Meanwhile, the recovery process after withdrawal lasts seven weeks. During the recovery process, the changes in structural parameters (AL, CT) and functional parameters (AA, SE) in both groups occurred synchronously. The SE, AA, and AL at baseline may not predict the extent of atropine's effect on CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate macular, Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) and choroidal thickness in children and adolescents with vitamin B12 deficiency and no neurological examination finding. Methods: The study group includes of thirty-three children aged 8–17 years who were brought to the Pediatric outpatient clinic with the symptoms of fatigue and forgetfulness and whose Vitamin B12 levels were detected < 200 pg/ml. The control group was the 30 children and adolescents applied to the same policlinic with various symptoms and whose Vitamin B12 levels were found normal. Children and adolescents with chronic systemic/ocular disease history and myopia or hyperopia more than 4 diopters were not included in both groups. Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) was used for measurements. Results: Mean Macular thickness value was 261.2 ± 17.6 in the Vitamin B12 deficiency group and 267.7 ± 17.4 in the control group. Mean value of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness was 103.5 ± 7.5 in the Vitamin B12 deficiency group and 104.3 ± 8.9 in the control group. The mean values of Choroidal thickness were 360.1 ± 59.8 and 316.9 ± 95.4 in Vitamin B12 deficiency and control groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase in choroidal thickness in Vitamin B12 deficiency group compared to controls. Conclusion: Statistically significant increase in the Choroidal thicknesses of children and adolescents with Vitamin B12 deficiency is important in terms of shedding light on studies that will contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between vitamin B12 and inflammation. Clinical trial registration: This study is an observational study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine the retinal, peripapillary, choroidal microvascularization and the choroid thickness (CT) of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and compare the results to measurements obtained from healthy controls. Methods: In total, 47 eyes of 47 patients recently diagnosed with PCOS and 47 eyes of 47 age-matched healthy women were included in this study. An RT XR Avanti instrument with AngioVue software was used for the OCT-A imaging using 6 × 6 mm macular and 4.5 × 4.5 mm optic nerve head scans. Quantitative vessel density results of superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC); flow area and flow density of choriocapillaris; and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were analyzed. CT was evaluated by using the measurements obtained from the subfoveolar area. Results: No significant differences were detected between the groups for any of vessel density results for the SCP, DCP, and RPC as well as the FAZ area. The difference in the choriocapillaris flow area and flow density between the groups was not statistically significant. The choroid was significantly thicker in women with PCOS than in the healthy group (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Retinal and choroidal microvascularization was comparable between the women who were evaluated early after diagnosed with PCOS and age-matched healthy controls. Choroid was found thicker in patients with PCOS than in healthy women. OCT-A, as a new and noninvasive imaging method, may help in understanding the effect of PCOS on the posterior segment of the eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between iris thickness (IT) and choroidal thickness (CT) in healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Forty-five healthy participants (24 women, 21 men) aged 18–62 years were included in the study. The iris thickness was measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The iris thickness was measured at 750 μm (IT750T) and 2000 μm (IT2000T) from the temporal scleral spur. The iris thickness was measured at 750 μm (IT750N) and 2000 μm (IT2000N) from the nasal scleral spur. Choroidal thickness was measured by optical coherence tomography. Choroid thickness was measured at 750 μm (CT750N, CT750T) and 2000 μm (CT2000N, CT2000T) from the center of the fovea on both the nasal and temporal sides. Results: There were significant correlations between CT750T and IT750T, IT750N, IT2000N (r = 0.409, p=0.005; r = 0.396, p=0.007; r = 0.329, p=0.02, respectively). There were significant correlations between CT2000T and IT750T, IT750N, IT2000N (r = 0.383, p=0.009; r = 0.478, p=0.001; r = 0.331, p0=0.02, respectively). Conclusions: There was a significant correlation between CT and IT thicknesses at different points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to quantitatively assess the profile of the choroidal thickness (ChT) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to examine whether the posterior eye segment abnormalities in active AS patients are reversible by infliximab therapy. Patients and methods: Thirty-one patients with AS (22 males, 9 females; mean age: 39.6±12.3 years; range, 22 to 68 years) and 24 healthy controls (16 males, 8 females; mean age: 40.8±8.9 years; range, 35 to 61 years) were enrolled between October 2014 and March 2016. Patients' clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded. Using OCT, we performed retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, ganglion cell complex, and ChT measurements in AS patients before and six months after the initiation of infliximab therapy, and in healthy controls. Results: At baseline, patients with AS had higher ChT (mean±standard deviation: 347.5±114.4 µm) compared to healthy controls (322.1±62.8 µm), although this did not reach statistical significance level (p=0.283). At six months after the first measurement, the mean ChT was significantly decreased (under infliximab therapy: 326.5±99.7 µm vs. before: 347.5±114.4 µm, p=0.018) in AS group, while no significant change was observed in the control group (p=0.102). RNFL thickness in the AS group was significantly decreased after six months of treatment with infliximab (p=0.008). Conclusion: By evaluating the posterior eye segment of patients with AS using OCT, this study has demonstrated that active AS patients had higher ChT. The significant reduction in this ChT after infliximab therapy may be mediating the established effective suppressing action of infliximab on uveitis attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To investigate choroidal thickness changes in the horizontal meridian after orthokeratology. METHODS: This is a prospective cross-sectional observed study. Subjects (n=30; 11.3±1.7y) with low-to-moderate myopia (-1.0 to -6.0 diopters), wore orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses for 3mo. Before and after Ortho-K, OCT scans were made through the fovea in the horizontal meridian. Choroid thickness around the fovea was acquired by custom software. The analyzed regions along the horizontal meridian were divided into 7 equal zones. Ocular parameters were measured by Lenstar LS 900 non-contact biometry. RESULTS: Only the right eye ocular parameters were analyzed in this study. Before Ortho-K, choroidal thickness along the horizontal meridian was 273.7±31.8 µm in the temporal zone, 253.1±38.6 µm in the macula zone, and 194.8±52.2 µm in the nasal zone. After Ortho-K, the choroid was thicker in each horizontal zone (P0.05). The choroid thickness change in each horizontal zone was negatively correlated with AL (r, -0.3 to -0.4; P

The aim is to evaluate the long-term effects of high and low altitudes on the choroid. This study was a cross-sectional retrospective study. The individuals were divided into two groups according to the altitude where those lived. Those living at low altitude (Sakarya) were included in the low altitude group (LAG), and those living at high altitude (Ağrı) were included in the high altitude group (HAG). Sub-foveal choroidal thicknesses of both groups were compared. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was used to measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness. The average of subfoveal CT in LAG was 270.3±22.2µm, whereas it was 275.1±21.0 µm in HAG. No significant difference in choroid thickness was observed in between the groups (P= 0.334). The choroid may have the ability to autoregulate and maintain a constant blood flow to the retina under different conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : To explore the expression and significance of Amyloid beta (Aβ) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Method : From September 2017 to May 2019, 72 patients (72 eyes) with wet age-related macular degeneration diagnosed and treated in our hospital were selected as the research subjects, the serum Aβ content were detected, and the general information and clinical characteristics of patients were investigated and were given correlation analysis. Result : The average serum Aβ content were in the 72 patients were 203.29β14.29 ng/mL, of which 40 patients were Aβ content ≥ 180 ng/mL. The choroid thickness of the Aβ positive group was significantly higher than that of the Aβ negative group (P<0.05). The end-diastolic blood flow velocity and peak systolic blood flow velocity in the Aβ-positive group were significantly lower than those in the Aβ-negative group (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in gender, age, intraocular pressure, blood pressure, body mass index, and duration of disease in the Aβ-positive group compared with the Aβ-negative group (P>0.05). Linear correlation analysis showed significant correlations between serum Aβ content and choroid thickness, end-diastolic blood flow velocity, and peak systolic blood flow velocity of the affected ophthalmic artery (P<0.05). The Aβ content was positively correlated with choroid thickness (r= 0.566, P=0.003), and the Aβ content was negatively correlated with the end-diastolic blood flow velocity and peak systolic blood flow velocity of the affected ophthalmic artery (r=-0.673, P= 0.000; r=-0. 455, P=0.010). Conclusion : Aβ are highly expressed in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. Serum Aβ content are related to choroid thickness, affected end-diastolic blood flow velocity and peak systolic blood flow velocity, and thus affects the progression of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the characteristics of choroid thickness (CT) of the optic disc and macula in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without visual impairment and diabetic retinopathy (DR) and analyse associated factors. Methods: A square area of 6 × 6 mm around the centre of the optic disc and macula was scanned. The indices analysed mainly included CT at the macular centre (1 mm), and temporal, superior, nasal or inferior aspect of the inner ring (1–3 mm) and outer ring of (3–6 mm) optic disc and macula. Independent risk factors were analysed using multifactor linear regression. Results: A total of 44 children with T1DM and 48 healthy subjects were enrolled. The diabetic group showed significant increase in the inferior inner ring of parapapillary CT (100.99 ± 30.42 μm versus 89.41 ± 34.00 μm, p = 0.04) and nasal outer ring of parapapillary CT (157.02 ± 47.35 μm versus 131.15 ± 35.17 μm, p = 0.01) as compared to those values in the healthy controls. Spherical equivalent refraction and family history of hypertension are independent factors of both peripappillary choroid thickness (PPCT) and macular choroid thickness (PMCT). Spherical equivalent refraction (p = 0.01) and serum cholesterol (p = 0.03) were independent factors of the inferior inner ring of parapapillary CT, whereas family history of hypertension was an independent factor of the nasal outer ring of parapapillary CT (p = 0.001). Conclusion: In children with diabetes without DR or visual impairment, the CT increase in nasal outer ring of parapapillary (PPNO) and the inferior inner ring of parapapillary (PPII) may be the characteristic pre‐DR alteration at the early stage of DM. For children with higher serum cholesterol and family history of hypertension, the change of the nasal outer ring of parapapillary CT and the inferior inner ring of parapapillary CT may be more advanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To determine whether there was a significant relationship between eye iris color with axial length, intraocular pressure, retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL)thickness, macular thickness and choroidal thickness.METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study involving 92 eyes of 92 healthy volunteers. These were divided into dark colored-eye(DCE)and light-colored eye(LCE)groups according to iris color. The RNFL and macular thicknesses were analysed with standard optical coherence tomography(OCT)protocol while choroidal thickness was analysed with electronic data interchange(EDI)protocol in all subjects. Choroidal thickness was measured at the fovea, 1500 μm nasal and 1500 μm temporal to the fovea in a horizontal section.RESULTS: Of the 92 eyes included, 62(67.4%)were dark-colored while 30(32.6%)were light-colored. The mean age was 29.22±5.86y in the subjects with DCE and 28.86±6.50y in those with LCE. No significant difference was detected in mean age, axial length, macular thickness, choroidal thickness and intraocular pressure(IOP)between the groups(P>0.05). However, RNFL thicknesses varied depending on the quadrant measured, and were lower in both global and the nasal and temporal quadrants for individuals with LCE(P≤0.022).CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found in IOP, macular thickness and choroid thickness between individuals with DCE and LCE. Meanwhile, the RNFL thickness is lower.

AIM: To investigate the choroidal thickness changes in macular area and facular area of patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR)after panretinal photocoagulation(PRP). METHODS: Totally 40 cases(78 eyes)of DR patients with PRP in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2017 were selected, and optical coherence tomography(OCT)was conducted for preoperative and postoperative choroidal thickness in macular area and facular area. RESULTS: At 1mo after PRP, the subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT), nasal choroidal thickness(NCT), the temporal choroidal thickness(TCT), superior choroidal thickness(SCT), inferior choroidal thickness(ICT)were sharply higher than those before operation, the difference was statistically significant(t=2.016, t=2.017, t=2.001, t=2.264, t=2.229; Pt=2.048, t=2.051, t=2.092, t=2.010, t=2.273; Pt=2.118, Pt=2.188, PCONCLUSION: The choroid thickness at macular region rises obviously for short term after PRP, while that in facula area reduces markedly, which shows choroidal blood flow redistribution after operation.

Background Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) are characterized by reductions in gray matter and white matter. Limitations in brain imaging have led researchers to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to explore retinal imaging biomarkers of brain pathology. We examine the retinal layers that may be associated with SZ or BD. Methods Articles identified using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Database. Twelve studies met inclusion for acutely/chronically ill patients. We used fixed or random effects meta-analysis for probands (SZ and BD), SZ or BD eyes vs healthy control (HC) eyes. We adjusted for sources of bias, cross-validated results, and report standardized mean differences (SMD). Statistical analysis performed using meta package in R. Results Data from 820 proband eyes (SZ = 541, BD = 279) and 904 HC eyes were suitable for meta-analysis. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) showed significant thinning in SZ and BD eyes compared to HC eyes (n = 12, SMD = −0.74, −0.51, −1.06, respectively). RNFL thinning was greatest in the nasal, temporal, and superior regions. The combined peripapillary ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) showed significant thinning in SZ and BD eyes compared to HC eyes (n = 4, SMD = −0.39, −0.44, −0.28, respectively). No statistically significant differences were identified in other retinal or choroidal regions. Clinical variables were unrelated to the RNFL or GCL-IPL thickness by meta-regression. Conclusion The observed retinal layer thinning is consistent with the classic gray- and white-matter atrophy observed on neuroimaging in SZ and BD patients. OCT may be a useful biomarker tool in studying the neurobiology of psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To measure some ocular parameters in inflammatory bowel disease and evaluate whether there are any differences between the measurements obtained from the patients and healthy subjects. Methods: Thirteen patients with inflammatory bowel disease referred from the gastroenteroloji clinic and 14 control subjects selected from the individuals with minor complaints who admitted the ophthalmology outpatient clinic were included in the study. Average and segmental retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in four quadrant, average and sectoral ganglion cell inner plexiform layer thickness in in six guadrant, foveal and parafoveal vessel density in four quadrant, optic nerve head parameters, including rim area, disc area, horizontal cup-to-disc ratio, vertical cup-to-disc ratio, cup volume and additionally superficial/deep foveal avascular zone areas, choroid thickness, and central corneal thickness of the patients and controls were quantified using the swept-source optical coherence tomography. Results: All measurements taken from the patients with inflammatory bowel disease and controls showed a great similarity and did not differ statistically. Conclusion: Even though several inflammatory systemic diseases affect the eye and alter the particular structures, this study revealed that inflammatory bowel disease has no inluence on neural and vascular layers of the eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Choroidopathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This entity is associated with active phases of severe SLE and it is frequently accompanied by acute kidney failure, central nervous system involvement and coagulopathy. Purpose To evaluate the choroid thickness of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) without choroidopathy, and to compare this with that of age-matched SLE patients without LN and healthy control subjects. Study design Cross-sectional case control study. Material and methods Fifteen women with LN in remission phase (study group), 15 women with SLE in remission without LN (SLE control group), and 15 healthy women (healthy control group), without ocular diseases or significant refractive error, were recruited. Full ophthalmological examination and a macular optical coherence tomography in enhanced depth imaging mode were performed. The choroid thickness was measured at nine macular points and six lines of mean choroidal thickness were determined. A comparative analysis between the three groups was performed using the one-way ANOVA test and the paired t-test. The choroid thickness of patients under corticotherapy was also compared to that of patients without corticotherapy. Additionally, the correlation between choroid thickness and disease duration was evaluated using the Pearson analysis. Results The mean macular choroidal thickness was 295.73 ± 67.62 μm in the study group, 233.34 ± 41.01 µm in the SLE control group, and 240.98 ± 37.93 μm in the control group (p = 0.00006 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Additionally, the choroid thickness was significantly thicker than in the SLE and healthy control groups at the foveal (p = 0.004 and p < 0.000), nasal (p < 0.000 and p = 0.001), superior (p = 0.002 and p < 0.000) and inferior (p < 0.000 and p = 0.001) mean lines. The choroidal thickness in this group was not associated with the duration of the disease. The subgroup of patients with LN under corticotherapy did not reveal a significantly different choroidal thickness. Conclusion This study suggests a relationship between LN and choroidal changes, which may represent an increased risk for choroidopathy in these patients. Choroid thickening was not related with the duration of the disease. This thickening may be correlated with histopathological changes similar to those occurring in kidney glomeruli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroid thickness in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) compared to healthy volunteers.Methods: This cross-sectional, prospective study included 43 patients with PXG, 45 patients with PEX syndrome, and 48 healthy volunteers. The RNFL and macular thickness were analyzed with standard OCT protocol while choroidal thickness was analyzed with EDI protocol in all subjects.Results: The RNFL thickness was higher in the PEX and control groups compared to the PXG group (p<0.001). The choroid thickness was significantly higher in the control group compared to the PXG and PEX groups (p<0.05). No significant difference was detected between the both groups.Conclusions: PEX might weaken choroid circulation by accumulating in choroid vessels. The thinner choroid in the PXG group suggests that ischemia affects the duration of PEX and has a role in the development of glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the loss of photoreceptor cells through apoptosis. N-methyl- N-nitrosourea (MNU) is an alkylating toxicant that induces photoreceptor cell death resembling hereditary RP. This study aimed to investigate the role of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in MNU-induced photoreceptor degeneration. Adult rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of MNU (60 mg/kg bodyweight). Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated progressive outer nuclear layer (ONL) loss after MNU treatment. Transmission electron microscopy revealed nuclear pyknosis, chromatin margination in the photoreceptors, increased secondary lysosomes, and lobulated retinal-pigmented epithelial cells in MNU-treated rats. Numerous photoreceptor cells in the ONL showed positive TUNEL staining and apoptosis rate peaked at 24 hours. Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed ONL thinning and decreased choroid thickness. Electroretinograms showed decreased A wave amplitude that predominated in scotopic conditions. Western blot analysis showed that nuclear IκBα level increased, whereas nuclear NF-κB p65 decreased significantly in the retinas of MNU-treated rats. These findings indicate that MNU leads to selective photoreceptor degradation, and this is associated with the inhibition of NF-κB activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To propose the use of choroidal vascularity index ( CVI) as a novel tool to assess vascular status of the choroid using image binarization of enhanced depth imaging ( EDI) optical coherence tomography ( OCT) scans in diabetes mellitus ( DM). Methods A prospective cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary referral eye care centre in Singapore. Age and gender matched EDI- OCT scans of 38 eyes of 19 patients with DM were compared with eyes of healthy controls ( n = 19). The choroidal images were binarized into luminal areas ( LA) and stromal areas ( SA). Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as the proportion of LA to total circumscribed subfoveal choroid area ( TCA). Mean choroidal thickness, mean retinal thickness and mean CVI between patients and controls were compared using student's t-test. Results There were no significant differences in TCA (p = 0.78), LA (p = 0.90), SA (p = 0.33), average choroidal (p = 0.40) or retinal thickness (p = 0.70) between patients with DM and controls. However, there was a significantly lower CVI in patients with DM as compared to controls (65.10 ± 0.20 versus 67.20 ± 0.16, p < 0.0001). Conclusion Eyes of patients with DM showed decreased CVI with no corresponding change in choroidal thickness. Image binarization may be potentially useful as a tool to assess choroidal structures and vasculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To observe the choroidal thickness in the macular area in affected and unaffected fellow eyes with central serous chorio retinopathy(CSC)and in healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty-six cases with unilateral CSC and controls were recruited in this study. All eyes were divided into three groups: 26 eyes in Group A(affected eyes with CSC), 26 eyes in group B(unaffected fellow eyes)and 26 eyes in group C(right eyes of age and sex matched control). Enhanced depth imaging was obtained by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Subfoveal choroidal thickness and choroidal thickness at 1mm/3mm nasal, temporal, superior and inferior to the fovea were measured. RESULTS: Choroidal thickness was significantly increased in affected eyes with CSC than unaffected fellow eyes(t=5.57, P