Correlation between choroidal thickness and the degree of myopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Myopia is a frequent visual problem, and the relationship between choroidal thickness (CT) and the degree of myopia has been a hot topic in myopia research.

OBJECTIVE:

This work aimed to explore the correlation between CT and the degree of myopia, providing a reference for diagnosing and treating myopia.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2021 to December 2022, collecting data from 95 myopic patients aged between 18 and 50 years in the outpatient department. All subjects’ CT in the macular center (MC), spherical equivalent (SE), and other ocular parameters were measured. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) analyzed relationships between CT and various factors.

RESULTS:

The choroid was thickest in the MC and gradually became thinner towards the periphery, with the thinnest region located nasally in the healthy group. In the mild, moderate, and severe myopia groups, the choroid was thickest at 1,000 $\mu$ m temporal to the fovea, becoming thinner towards the periphery, with the thinnest region located nasally. The MC’s CT was correlated with a family history of myopia, SE, axial length (AL), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Meanwhile, there was a negative linear relationship between AL and CT in the MC (standard coefficient (SC) of $-$ 0.596, $P$ -value of 0.000, tolerance of 0.217, and variance inflation factor (VIF) of 4.467), and a positive linear correlation between SE and CT in the MC (SC of 0.205, $P$ -value of 0.013, tolerance of 0.257, and VIF of 3.792).

CONCLUSION:

This work provided clues for further understanding of the pathogenesis of myopic eyes and served as a scientific basis for early screening and treatment of myopia. Additionally, investigating the correlation between myopia and CT can also yield a reference for developing personalized myopia management strategies, which will help slow down myopia’s progression and prevent related complications.