Correlation of Choroidal Thickness and Volume Measurements with Axial Length and Age Using Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Low-Coherence Reflectometry

Abstract

Purpose. To report choroidal thickness and volume in healthy eyes using swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods. A prospective observational study of 122 patients examined with swept source OCT (DRI-OCT, Topcon, Japan). In each eye, we performed 256 horizontal scans, 12 mm in length and centered on the fovea. We calculated choroidal thickness manually with a built-in caliper and automatically using DRI-OCT mapping software. Choroidal volume was also automatically calculated. We measured axial length with optical low-coherence reflectometry (Lenstar LS 900, Haag-Streit, Switzerland). Results. The choroid has focally increased thickness under the fovea. Choroid was thinnest in the outer nasal quadrant. In stepwise regression analysis, age was estimated as the most significant factor correlating with decreased choroidal thickness (F = 23.146, P < 0.001) followed by axial length (F = 4.902, P = 0.03). Refractive error was not statistically significant (F = 1.16, P = 0.28). Conclusions. SS-OCT is the first commercially available system that can automatically create choroidal thickness and volume maps. Choroidal thickness is increased at the fovea and is thinnest nasally. Age and axial length are critical for the estimation of choroidal thickness and volume. Choroidal measurements derived from SS-OCT images have potential value for objectively documenting disease-related choroidal thickness abnormalities and monitoring progressive changes over time.

Choroidal Thickness and Ametropia in Children: A Longitudinal Study

“…axial length have reported an inverse correlation between the two (12,14). Similar studies carried out on children have also revealed an inverse correlation between ChT and axial length (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23).…”

“…Studies on adults have shown that ChT decreases with age (11)(12)(13), and authors evaluating ChT according to noninvasive prospective observational study was granted by the local ethics committee.…”

Sex-Related Variations of Retinal and Choroidal Thickness and Foveal Avascular Zone in Healthy and Diabetic Children Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging

“…Recently, in adults, differences have been shown between sexes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) surface area [7-9]. Similarly, no reference parameters exist for structural OCT in children, although the norms are likely to be different from adults due to the known differences in choroidal thickness with age [10-12]. The aim of the present study was to determine whether gender differences exist in the retinal microvasculature of children with and without vascular pathology using structural OCT and OCTA.…”

Association of choroidal thickness with eye growth: a cross-sectional study of individuals between 4 and 23 years

“…1 However, although our understanding of choroidal characteristics has increased substantially in recent years, only a few reports to date have provided values for choroidal thickness in children. [7][8][9] In a recent study, age and axial length (AL) were determined to be negatively correlated with choroidal thickness and volume in adults. 7 Similarly, in a previous study, we also demonstrated a decrease in choroidal thickness with increasing myopia, age, and AL in adults.…”

“…[7][8][9] In a recent study, age and axial length (AL) were determined to be negatively correlated with choroidal thickness and volume in adults. 7 Similarly, in a previous study, we also demonstrated a decrease in choroidal thickness with increasing myopia, age, and AL in adults. 8 However, although our understanding of choroidal characteristics has increased substantially in recent years, only a few reports to date have provided values for choroidal thickness in children.…”