Analysis of the Morphology and Vascular Layers of the Choroid in Retinitis Pigmentosa Using Spectral-Domain OCT

Abstract

Choroidal morphology is altered and an exaggerated thinning of the large choroidal vessel layer is observed in eyes with RP. Further studies involving correlation of disease stage and severity with choroidal changes may provide further insight into the involvement of choroid in RP and other inherited retinal dystrophies.

Optical Coherence Tomographic Analysis of Retina in Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients

“…The changes in choroidal morphology and the choroidal vessel layer were observed in eyes with RP [70,71]. The shape of the choroid was irregular, and the borders of the choroid and sclera were not smooth in RP patients [71].…”

“…The changes in choroidal morphology and the choroidal vessel layer were observed in eyes with RP [70,71]. The shape of the choroid was irregular, and the borders of the choroid and sclera were not smooth in RP patients [71]. In normal controls, the choroid was thickest beneath the fovea and thinnest nasally, while in RP patients, the choroid was thickest in the temporal area and thinnest nasally [71].…”

“…The shape of the choroid was irregular, and the borders of the choroid and sclera were not smooth in RP patients [71]. In normal controls, the choroid was thickest beneath the fovea and thinnest nasally, while in RP patients, the choroid was thickest in the temporal area and thinnest nasally [71]. According to the size of the choroidal vessel, the choroidal vessel layer was separated into large choroidal vessels, medium-sized choroidal vessels, and the choriocapillaris.…”

“…According to the size of the choroidal vessel, the choroidal vessel layer was separated into large choroidal vessels, medium-sized choroidal vessels, and the choriocapillaris. In RP patients, it was difficult to resolve the choriocapillaris and the medium-sized choroidal vessels separately; therefore medium-sized choroidal vessels combined with the choriocapillaris were used to assess small choroidal vessels changes [71]. The large choroidal vessel layer occupied the main ratio of the choroidal thickness, and the results showed a preferential thinning of the large choroidal vessel layer in RP [71].…”

“…In RP patients, it was difficult to resolve the choriocapillaris and the medium-sized choroidal vessels separately; therefore medium-sized choroidal vessels combined with the choriocapillaris were used to assess small choroidal vessels changes [71]. The large choroidal vessel layer occupied the main ratio of the choroidal thickness, and the results showed a preferential thinning of the large choroidal vessel layer in RP [71]. However, the thickness of the small choroidal vessel was found to be maintained, and the reasons for preferential thinning of the large choroidal vessels have been analyzed in experimental studies.…”