Three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index and choroidal thickness in fellow eyes of acute and chronic primary angle-closure using swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To compare the three-dimensional choroidal vascularity index(CVI)and choroidal thickness between fellow eyes of acute primary angle-closure(F-APAC)and chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma(F-CPACG)and the eyes of normal controls.METHODS:This study included 37 patients with unilateral APAC,37 with asymmetric CPACG without prior treatment,and 36 healthy participants.Using swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT),the macular and peripapillary choroidal thickness and three-dimensional CVI were measured and compared globally and sectorally.Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate choroidal thickness or CVI with related factors.RESULTS:The mean subfoveal CVIs were 0.35±0.10,0.33±0.09,and 0.29±0.04,and the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness were 315.62±52.92,306.22±59.29,and 262.69±45.55μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.All macular sectors showed significantly higher CVIs and choroidal thickness in the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes than in the normal eyes(P<0.05),while there were no significant differences between the F-APAC and F-CPACG eyes.In the peripapillary region,the mean overall CVIs were 0.21±0.08,0.20±0.08,and 0.19±0.05,and the mean overall choroidal thickness were 180.45±54.18,174.82±50.67,and 176.18±37.94μm in the F-APAC,F-CPACG,and normal groups,respectively.There were no significant differences between any of the two groups in all peripapillary sectors.Younger age,shorter axial length,and the F-APAC or F-CPACG diagnosis were significantly associated with higher subfoveal CVI and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The fellow eyes of unilateral APAC or asymmetric CPACG have higher macular CVI and choroidal thickness than those of the normal controls.Neither CVI nor choroidal thickness can distinguish between eyes predisposed to APAC or CPACG.A thicker choroid with a higher vascular volume may play a role in the pathogenesis of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Using choroidal thickness to detect myopic macular degeneration

AIM:To explore the usage of choroidal thickness measured by swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT)to detect myopic macular degeneration(MMD)in high myopic participants.METHODS:Participants with bilateral high myopia(≤−6 diopters)were recruited from a subset of the Guangzhou Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center-Brien Holden Vision Institute High Myopia Cohort Study.SS-OCT was performed to determine the choroidal thickness,and myopic maculopathy was graded by the International Meta-Analysis for Pathologic Myopia(META-PM)Classification.Presence of MMD was defined as META-PM category 2 or above.RESULTS:A total of 568 right eyes were included for analysis.Eyes with MMD(n=106,18.7%)were found to have older age,longer axial lengths(AL),higher myopic spherical equivalents(SE),and reduced choroidal thickness in each Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study(ETDRS)grid sector(P<0.001).The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves(AUC)for subfoveal choroidal thickness(0.907)was greater than that of the model,including age,AL,and SE at 0.6249,0.8208,and 0.8205,respectively.The choroidal thickness of the inner and outer nasal sectors was the most accurate indicator of MMD(AUC of 0.928 and 0.923,respectively).An outer nasal sector choroidal thickness of less than 74μm demonstrated the highest odds of predicting MMD(OR=33.8).CONCLUSION:Choroidal thickness detects the presence of MMD with high agreement,particularly of the inner and outer nasal sectors of the posterior pole,which appears to be a biometric parameter more precise than age,AL,or SE.

Non-linear relationship between age and subfoveal choroidal thickness in Chinese patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND No study has investigated the change regularity between age and subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)in proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).AIM To investigate the relationship between the SFCT and age in Chinese patients with PDR.METHODS This was a cross-sectional retrospective study.The participants were hospitalized individuals with type 2 diabetes who underwent vitrectomy for PDR.Contralateral eyes that met the criteria were included in the study.All necessary laboratory tests were performed at the time of admission.Central macular thickness(CMT)and SFCT were two quantitative assessments made using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.CMT was measured automatically and SFCT was measured manually with digital calipers provided by the Heidelberg Eye Explorer software.RESULTS The final analysis included a total of 234 individuals with PDR.The average age was 55.60 years old±10.03 years old,and 57.69%of the population was male.Univariate analysis revealed a significant negative connection between age and SFCT in patients with PDR[β=-2.44,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-3.46 to-1.42;P<0.0001].In the fully adjusted model,the correlation between SFCT and age remained steady(β=-1.68,95%CI:-2.97 to-0.39;P=0.0117).Spline smoothing showed that the relationship between SFCT and age in patients with PDR was non-linear,with an inflection point at 54 years of age.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that age is a key determinant of choroidal thickness.The non-linear link between SFCT and age in PDR patients should be taken into account.

Automatic fovea detection and choroid segmentation for choroidal thickness assessment in optical coherence tomography

AIM:To develop an automated model for subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)detection in optical coherence tomography(OCT)images,addressing manual fovea location and choroidal contour challenges.METHODS:Two procedures were proposed:defining the fovea and segmenting the choroid.Fovea localization from B-scan OCT image sequence with three-dimensional reconstruction(LocBscan-3D)predicted fovea location using central foveal depression features,and fovea localization from two-dimensional en-face OCT(LocEN-2D)used a mask region-based convolutional neural network(Mask R-CNN)model for optic disc detection,and determined the fovea location based on optic disc relative position.Choroid segmentation also employed Mask R-CNN.RESULTS:For 53 eyes in 28 healthy subjects,LocBscan-3D’s mean difference between manual and predicted fovea locations was 170.0μm,LocEN-2D yielded 675.9μm.LocEN-2D performed better in non-high myopia group(P=0.02).SFCT measurements from Mask R-CNN aligned with manual values.CONCLUSION:Our models accurately predict SFCT in OCT images.LocBscan-3D excels in precise fovea localization even with high myopia.LocEN-2D shows high detection rates but lower accuracy especially in the high myopia group.Combining both models offers a robust SFCT assessment approach,promising efficiency and accuracy for large-scale studies and clinical use.

Comment on:Evaluation of retinal and choroidal thickness changes in overweight and obese adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography

Dear Editor,We have read with interest the article by Li et al[1].In the response to this article[1]which is a well thought out and written paper,I would like to draw attention to some critical points in this study and add some comments to the results and the conclusion of the study which authors have detected.In the Li et al’s[1]study,it is detected that,choroidal thickness is significantly negatively correlated with body mass index(BMI)and choroidal thickness is decreased in people with overweight or obesity.

Beta-alanine promotes angiogenesis in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mice models

AIM:To investigate the effect ofβ-alanine(BA)on laserinduced choroidal neovascularization(CNV)mice models.METHODS:Laser-induced CNV mice models were established,and BA was administrated for one week and two weeks in advance,separately.Furthermore,retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)-choroid flat mounts were separated,and immunohistochemical staining was performed.The laser-induced CNV lesion areas were measured and compared.In addition,liver and kidney morphologies were observed to identify potential hepatorenal toxicity.RESULTS:Enlarged CNV lesion areas were observed in the BA treated group.No significant differences were observed in the liver and kidney sections between groups.CONCLUSION:BA treatment increase CNV lesion areas,suggesting the detrimental effects of BA as a nutritional supplement in age-related macular degeneration(AMD)population.

Impact of multifocal gas-permeable lens designs on short-term choroidal response, axial length, and retinal defocus profile

AIM:To investigate the impact of multifocal gas permeable contact lens(MFGPCL)in various add power and distance/near area allocation on short-term changes of choroidal thickness(ChT),axial length(AL),and retinal defocus profile in young adults.METHODS:Seventeen young adults(2 males and 15 females;age 23.17±4.48y)were randomly assigned to wear two designs binocularly with a one-week washout period in between.Total of four MFGPCL designs were assessed.All designs were distance-center that varied in two add power(+1.50 and 3.00 D)and/or two distance zone(DZ)diameters(1.50 and 3.00 mm;design A:DZ 1.5/add 3.0,B:DZ 1.5/add 1.5,C:DZ 3.0/add 3.0,D:DZ 3.0/add 1.5).ChT,AL,and peripheral refraction data were collected on each subject at baseline,on days 1 and 7 of MFGPCL daily wear.ChT was assessed in four quadrants using a spectraldomain optical coherence tomography.RESULTS:AL was shortened by-26±44μm with lens C,-18±27μm with lens D,-13±29μm with lens A,and-8±30μm with lens B(all P<0.05).A significant overall increase in ChT was observed with all 4 designs(lens A:+6±6μm,B:+3±7μm,C:+8±7μm,and D:+8±7μm).Temporal and superior choroid exhibited more choroidal thickening associated with MFGPCL.All designs induced significant relative peripheral myopia(RPM)beyond the central 20o across the horizontal meridian in both nasal and temporal fields(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:MFGPCLs show a significant influence on ChT and AL,which are associated with significant increase in RPM after short-term wear.The reliability and feasibility of quantifying short-term changes in ChT support its use as a promising marker for the long-term efficacy of myopia-controlling treatments.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal thickness changes in overweight and obese adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography

AIM:To evaluate the relationship of overweight and obesity with retinal and choroidal thickness in adults without ocular symptoms by swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT).METHODS:According to the body mass index(BMI)results,the adults enrolled in the cross-sectional study were divided into the normal group(18.50≤BMI<25.00 kg/m^(2)),the overweight group(25.00≤BMI<30.00 kg/m^(2)),and the obesity group(BMI≥30.00 kg/m^(2)).The one-way ANOVA and the Chi-square test were used for comparisons.Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between the measured variables.RESULTS:This research covered the left eyes of 3 groups of 434 age-and sex-matched subjects each:normal,overweight,and obesity.The mean BMI was 22.20±1.67,26.82±1.38,and 32.21±2.35 kg/m^(2) in normal,overweight and obesity groups,respectively.The choroid was significantly thinner in both the overweight and obesity groups compared to the normal group(P<0.05 for all),while the retinal thickness of the three groups did not differ significantly.Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that BMI was significantly negatively correlated with choroidal thickness,but no significant correlation was observed between BMI and retinal thickness.CONCLUSION:Choroidal thickness is decreased in people with overweight or obesity.Research on changes in choroidal thickness contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of certain ocular disorders in overweight and obese adults.

Automated evaluation of parapapillary choroidal microvasculature in crowded optic discs:a controlled,optical coherence tomography angiography study

AIM:To compare superficial and deep vascular properties of optic discs between crowded discs and controls using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCT-A).METHODS:Thirty patients with crowded discs,and 47 control subjects were enrolled in the study.One eye of each individual was included and OCT-A scans of optic discs were obtained in a 4.5×4.5 mm^(2) rectangular area.Radial peripapillary capillary(RPC)density,peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer(pRNFL)thickness,cup volume,rim area,disc area,cup-to-disc(c/d)area ratio,and vertical c/d ratio were obtained automatically using device software.Automated parapapillary choroidal microvasculature(PPCMv)density was calculated using MATLAB software.When the vertical c/d ratio of the optic disc was absent or small cup,it was considered as a crowded disc.RESULTS:The mean signal strength index of OCT-A images was similar between the crowded discs and control eyes(P=0.740).There was no difference in pRNFL between the two groups(P=0.102).There were no differences in RPC density in whole image(P=0.826)and peripapillary region(P=0.923),but inside disc RPC density was higher in crowded optic discs(P=0.003).The PPCMv density in the inner-hemisuperior region was also lower in crowded discs(P=0.026).The pRNFL thickness was positively correlated with peripapillary RPC density(r=0.498,P<0.001).The inside disc RPC density was negatively correlated with c/d area ratio(r=-0.341,P=0.002).CONCLUSION:The higher inside disc RPC density and lower inner-hemisuperior PPCMv density are found in eyes with crowded optic discs.

Detecting early changes in choroidal vascularity and thickness using optical coherence tomography in patients with corneal crosslinking for keratoconus

AIM:To investigate changes in choroidal thickness and vascularity in keratoconus patients treated with corneal crosslinking.METHODS:This study evaluated 28 eyes of 22 patients with keratoconus who underwent corneal crosslinking.The choroidal thicknesses were evaluated on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography at the preoperative and postoperative 3d,1,and 3mo.Choroidal thickness in the four cardinal quadrants and the fovea were evaluated.The choroidal vascularity index was also calculated.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in central choroidal thickness between the preoperative and postoperative 3d,1mo(P>0.05).There was a significant increase in the 3mo(P=0.034)and a significant decrease in the horizontal choroidal vascularity index on the postoperative 3d(P=0.014),there was no statistically significant change in vertical axes and other visits in horizontal sections(P>0.05).CONCLUSION:This study sheds light on choroidal changes in postoperative corneal crosslinking for keratoconus.While it suggests the procedure’s relative safety for submacular choroid,more extensive research is necessary to confirm these findings and their clinical significance.

Etiology of anterior choroidal artery infarction:a systematic review

Objective:To systematically review the etiology of anterior choroidal artery(AChA)infarction.Methods:A systematic literature search up to May 11,2024,for AChA infarction with its etiology.Epidemiologic and clinical data of patients,anatomic distribution of the lesions,and etiologic classification of AChA infarction were extracted.Results:A total of 1007 individual patient data was included(967 from retrospective clinical studies and 40 from case reports).Among the clinical research,patients’mean age was 64.7.There were 62.24%of male and 37.76%of female patients.Hypertension(66.04%)was the most common risk factor for patients with AChA infarction.Dyslipidemia(32.92%),diabetes mellitus(30.93%),and smoking(26.54%)were also common risk factors.Moreover,the posterior limb of the internal capsule was the most frequently affected structure.Undetermined etiology(n=173,38.02%),according to the trial of org 10172 in acute stroke treatment(TOAST)etiological classification,was the most common etiology,followed by small vessel disease(n=117,25.71%),large artery atherosclerosis(n=84,18.46%),and cardioembolism(n=63,13.85%).Furthermore,eighteen strokes were caused by other determined etiologies(3.96%).Conclusions:Undetermined etiology was the most common etiology of AChA infarction.Hypertension,dyslipidemia,diabetes mellitus,and smoking were common risk factors for patients with AChA infarction.It is necessary to prevent the risk factors.

Choroidal thickness,myopia,and myopia control interventions in children:a Meta-analysis and systemic review

AIM:To investigate changes of choroidal thickness(ChT) in children with myopia and the effect of current myopia control interventions on ChT.METHODS:Major literature databases were searched for studies relevant to myopia in children.All studies used swept-source optical coherence tomography(SS-OCT) or enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography(EDI-OCT) to measure the ChT value.The weighted mean difference(WMD) and 95% confidence interval(CI) were pooled to evaluate ChT in myopia children.RESULTS:A total of 11 eligible articles,including 1693 myopic and 1132 non-myopic eyes,were included in the first Meta-analysis.The sub-foveal choroidal thickness(SFCT;WMD=-40.06,95%CI,-59.36 to-20.75,P<0.001) and ChT at other sectors were significantly thinner in myopic eyes compared with the non-myopic eyes.The Meta-analysis revealed that the ChT decreased horizontally from the temporal sector toward the nasal sector in the pediatric myopia population.Another 11 studies reporting the effect of myopia control interventions were included in the second Meta-analysis for the relationship between myopia control treatments and ChT.SFCT significantly increased after orthokeratology(OK) treatment and OK combined with 0.01% atropine(OKA) treatment(WMD=19.47,95%CI,15.96 to 22.98,P<0.001;WMD=21.81,95%CI,12.92 to 29.70,P<0.001,respectively).The forest plots showed that SFCT changed little in myopic children receiving 0.01% atropine(P=0.30).Furthermore,the Meta-analysis showed that OK treatment had a stronger effect on the value of SFCT in myopic children as compared with 0.01% atropine(WMD=9.86;95%CI,-0.21 to 19.93,P=0.05).There is no difference between the treatment with OK and OKA treatment in ChT in myopic children(P=0.37).CONCLUSION:The ChT in myopic eyes is thinner than that in non-myopic eyes in pediatric population.Myopia control interventions including OK and OKA lead to ChT thickening,but other treatments such as 0.01% atropine did not show an increase in ChT.

Chinese Guideline on the Management of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (2022)

Background In China's Mainland,patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD)have approximately an 40%prevalence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV).This disease leads to recurrent retinal pigment epithelium detachment(PED),extensive subretinal or vitreous hemorrhages,and severe vision loss.China has introduced various treatment modalities in the past years and gained comprehensive experience in treating PCV.Methods A total of 14 retinal specialists nationwide with expertise in PCV were empaneled to prioritize six questions and address their corresponding outcomes,regarding opinions on inactive PCV,choices of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)monotherapy,photodynamic therapy(PDT)monotherapy or combined therapy,patients with persistent subretinal fluid(SRF)or intraretinal fluid(IRF)after loading dose anti-VEGF,and patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage.An evidence synthesis team conducted systematic reviews,which informed the recommendations that address these questions.This guideline used the GRADE(Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation)approach to assess the certainty of evidence and grade the strengths of recommendations.Results The panel proposed the following six conditional recommendations regarding treatment choices.(1)For patients with inactive PCV,we suggest observation over treatment.(2)For treatment-na?ve PCV patients,we suggest either anti-VEGF monotherapy or combined anti-VEGF and PDT rather than PDT monotherapy.(3)For patients with PCV who plan to initiate combined anti-VEGF and PDT treatment,we suggest later/rescue PDT over initiate PDT.(4)For PCV patients who plan to initiate anti-VEGF monotherapy,we suggest the treat and extend(TE)regimen rather than the pro re nata(PRN)regimen following three monthly loading doses.(5)For patients with persistent SRF or IRF on optical coherence tomography(OCT)after three monthly anti-VEGF treatments,we suggest proceeding with anti-VEGF treatment rather than observation.(6)For PCV patients with massive subretinal hemorrhage(equal to or more than four optic disc areas)involving the central macula,we suggest surgery(vitrectomy in combination with tissue-plasminogen activator(tPA)intraocular injection and gas tamponade)rather than anti-VEGF monotherapy.Conclusions Six evidence-based recommendations support optimal care for PCV patients'management.

Effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization in high myopia mice

AIM:To evaluate effects of endogenous dopamine induced by low concentration atropine eye drops on choroidal neovascularization(CNV)in high myopia mice.METHODS:The C57BL/6J mice were deprived of the right eye for 4wk,and the high myopia was diagnosed by optometry,the diopter was less than-6.00 D,and CNV was induced by 532 nm laser.The changes of dopamine D1 receptor(DRD1),dopamine D2 receptor(DRD2),and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)were detected by Western blot technology at 0.5,1,2h,and 7d after 0.01%,0.05%,and 0.1%atropine eye drops,respectively,the area of CNV was measured.RESULTS:Significant increases were observed on the expression of DRD2 in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).Significant decreases were observed on the expression of DRD1 and VEGFA in mouse high myopia model at 0.5,1,2h,7d with 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops(P<0.05).The area of CNV induced by laser in the drug-treated group was significantly smaller than that in the control group,and the higher the concentration,the more significant the inhibitory effect(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The 0.01%,0.05%,0.1%atropine eye drops can decrease the level of VEGFA and inhibit high myopia CNV indirectly by up-regulating the level of DRD2 and down-regulating the level of DRD1,and the effect of 0.05%and 0.1%atropine eye drops is more significant.

Retinal and Choroidal Alterations in Migraine Patients Compared to Normal Healthy Controls

Purpose: Migraine is an incapacitating neurovascular disorder that primarily affects the working-age population. Researchers have postulated that the transient vascular alterations during each migraine attack lead to ischemic damage in the eye which can be measured via optical coherence tomography. Methods: We recruited 29 volunteers: 13 migraineurs (mean age 28 ± 8.8 years;12 female and 1 male) and 16 age-matched controls (mean age 26.6 ± 6.9;9 female and 7 male). All individuals underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination by a qualified optometrist and a Migraine Disability Assessment. The investigators were blind to the migraine diagnosis. Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness, Retinal Thickness (RT), Ganglion Cell Complex (GCL), ranging from the inner-limiting membrane to the inner plexiform layer, and Choroidal Thickness (CT) were measured using the 3D OCT-1Maestro, Topcon, a Spectral Domain OCT (SD-OCT) device. Results: In the migraine population average RNFL was lower for several parameters. However, results did not reach statistical significance. A significant decrease in the right eye inferior parafoveal ganglion cell layer in the migraine group of patients (mean = 25.15, SD = 4.08) compared to normal healthy controls (mean = 28.81, SD = 4.85;t = (27) = 2.17, p = 0.039) was documented. No other ganglion cell layer or choroidal thickness reached significance. No significant relationship between ocular thickness parameters and MIDAS score, parameters and either MIDAS score or frequency of headaches was found. Conclusion: A significant decrease in the right inferior parafoveal ganglion cell layer for migraine patients was reported. All other parameters did not reach significance. .

Posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection for annular choroidal detachment resistant to systemic immunosuppressive treatment

Dear Editor,I report two cases of annular choroidal detachment,which was resistant to systemic immunosuppressive treatment and presented a diagnostic dilemma but responded to posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide(PSTA)injections.Annular choroidal detachment is known to occur in uveal effusion syndrome(UES)[1].

Combined aqueous misdirection and persistent choroidal effusions following implantation of a Preserflo Micro Shunt

AIM:To describe a case of aqueous misdirection complicated by subsequent persistent choroidal effusions following implantation of a Preserflo Micro Shunt(PMS)device to treat advanced closed angle glaucoma.METHODS:A 67-year-old caucasian female with advanced primar y angle-closure glaucoma on four medications with an intraocular pressure(IOP)of 26 mm Hg was listed for a PMS insertion with mitomycin C(MMC).RESULTS:Past ocular history was significant for pseudophakia and previous yttrium aluminum garnet(YAG)peripheral iridotomy.Surgery was uneventful but on the first postoperative day,she developed aqueous misdirection complicated by subsequent development of persistent uveal effusions.Conventional treatment strategies including atropine drops,YAG hyaloidotomy and choroidal effusion drainage proved ineffective.A combination of oral steroids and pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)along with an irido-zonulohyloidectomy(IZH)proved efficacious.CONCLUSION:To the best of the author’s knowledge,this is the first published case of aqueous misdirection complicated with the presence of significant,unresolving choroidal effusions,highlighting the possibility and sequelae of comorbid pathology in nanophthalmic eyes.

Posterior choroidal leiomyoma: new findings from a case and literature review

·Posterior choroidal leiomyoma is a sporadic, rare benign tumor that is always confused with anaplastic melanoma. Here we report a case and provide a review. Most of the preoperative findings in our case were suggestive of malignant choroidal melanoma. However, the contrast enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) suggested a benign hemangioma. In summary, the posterior choroidal leiomyomas were yellowish-white in color and most commonly located in the temporal quadrant of the fundus(11/15). They were more frequent in Asians(13/16), the prevalence was almost equal in males and females(9:7), with a mean age of 35y. Microscopically, the tumor typically showed spindle cell bundles and nonmitotic ovoid nuclei arranged in intersecting fascicles. Vitrectomy is now a popular treatment option and definitive diagnosis can be made after immunohistochemistry. Finally, some summarized features of this tumor differ from those previously described. These may help in the diagnosis of posterior choroidal leiomyoma and differentiation from malignant melanoma.

Different approaches for treating myopic choroidal neovascularization:a network Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF),photodynamic therapy(PDT),and laser treatment(LT)for anatomical and functional improvement in myopic choroidal neovascularization(mCNV)patients.METHODS:Two researchers independently searched PubMed,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,and other databases to screen studies comparing best-corrected vision acuity(BCVA)and foveal center thickness(FCT)changes after mCNV treatment.Post-treatment chorioretinal atrophy(CRA)is a secondary outcome indicator.The retrieval time limit is from the database construction to January 30,2023.RESULTS:A total of 1072 eyes in 16 articles were included.In the RCTs,intravitreal bevacizumab(IVB)and intravitreal ranibizumab(IVR)were superior to PDT(MD=0.18,95%CI:0.02,0.40,MD=0.18,95%CI:0.01,0.42)in improving BCVA of mCNV patients(P<0.05).The relative effectiveness in improving BCVA,from high to low,appeared to be IVR,intravitreal aflibercept(IVA),IVB,LT,PDT,and sham first followed by IVA(Sham/IVA).While improving the FCT from high to low was IVA,IVR,IVB,PDT.In retrospective studies,the results of BCVA after long-term treatment showed that all the therapeutic effects from high to low was IVA,intravitreal conbercept(IVC),IVR,IVB,IVB/IVR,PDT with IVB/IVR,PDT.The effect of improving FCT was IVA,IVR,IVC,PDT,and IVB from high to low.And in the effects of improving CRA,the IVB appeared to be higher than IVR,while the PDT was the smallest,but none of the differences in the results were statistically significant.CONCLUSION:Anti-VEGF has the best effect on longterm vision improvement in mCNV patients,using IVB or IVR alone to treat mCNV may be better than IVB or IVR combined with PDT.There is no significant difference in the improvement of visual acuity,macular edema,and CRA in mCNV patients treated with any different anti-VEGF drugs.

Choroidal thickness measurements in young Saudi adult population: a cross-sectional study

AIM:To determine the choroidal thickness(CT)in young healthy Saudi adults using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)with an automated CT segmentation software.METHODS:Fifty-eight young adults(total of 116 eyes),39 males and 19 females participated in this study between the ages of 18 and 38y(mean 22.65±3.9y).All participants underwent ophthalmic screening examination,including the SD-OCT for measurements of CT in each quadrant egmented into five eccentric regions starting from the foveal region up to 4.5 mm towards the periphery.RESULTS:The choroid was thickest in the foveal region(central 1 mm,300±60μm)and began to progressively thinner beyond the parafovea(1.5–2.5 mm,284±67μm)towards the peripheral region(3.5–4.5 mm from the fovea,254±83μm).The superior choroid showed the thickest profile(309±57μm),while the nasal choroid exhibited the thinnest(229±76μm).The rate of the thinning with increasing eccentricity was more predominant in the nasal choroid,which thinned from the foveal region(294±58μm)to the peripheral region(158±55μm).The superior and inferior choroid did not show a statistically significant thinning with eccentricity(all P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the CT between gender,age,and laterality of the eyes(all P>0.05).A significant association of myopia with thinner subfoveal choroid was observed(Pearson’s,r=0.37),and regression analysis showed that a 10.3μm choroidal thinning for each diopter increase of myopia.CONCLUSION:CT profile depends on eccentric and the quadrant.The CT profile across the measured area in the young Saudi adult population is comparable to other previous reports.Refractive error is critical for CT evaluation.