Research recently published in <Retina> identified associations between choroidal alterations and the reduction of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness in diabetes without diabetic retinopathy (nondiabetic retinopathy, NDR) by using UWF SS-OCTA.

The results revealed significant reductions in perifoveal ChT (choroidal thickness), CVI (choroidal vascular index) and pRNFL thickness in patients with NDR, while an increase in CSI (choroidal stromal index) was observed. Notably, ChT was significantly correlated with pRNFL thickness, suggesting that ChT could serve as a predictor of retinal neurodegeneration in NDR.

A 400kHz speed swept source OCTA (BMizar, TowardPi Medical) was used in this study to quantify choroidal changes in 3D. Comprehensive choroidal parameters, including CVI, CVV, CSV, CSI and choroidal thickness, can be analyzed on the device with high reproducibility.

This research is authored by Dr. Zhenping Li, Dr. Fan Yang, etc. team of Prof. Yuqing Lan from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital.

Link to original text: https://journals.lww.com/retinajournal/abstract/2024/08000/associations_between_choroidal_alterations_and.2.aspx