Diurnal Variation in Choroidal Parameters Among Healthy Subjects Using Wide-Field Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diurnal variation in choroidal parameters in a wide field area among healthy subjects and to identify correlations between choroidal luminal area and stromal area and various systemic factors.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 42 eyes from 21 healthy participants (mean age = 32.4 ± 8.8 years) were examined using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WF SS-OCTA, 24 mm × 20 mm). Measurements of choroidal parameters, including choroidal volume (CV), choroidal thickness (CT), choroidal vessel volume (CVV), and choroidal stromal volume (CSV), were taken at 8:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 22:00. Systemic factors, such as blood pressure and heart rate, were concurrently monitored.

RESULTS

Our study observed significant diurnal variations in the mean total CV, CT, CVV, and CSV, with minimum measurements around 12:00 (P < 0.001) and peak values at 22:00 (P < 0.001). Furthermore, changes in CV in specific regions were more closely associated with fluctuations in CVV than CSV in the same regions. No significant diurnal variations were found in systolic (P = 0.137) or diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.236), whereas significant variations were observed in the heart rate (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals diurnal variations in choroidal parameters and their associations, emphasizing that changes in choroidal volume relate more to the luminal than the stromal area in vessel-rich regions. This enhances our understanding of choroidal-related ocular diseases.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

Regions with higher choroidal vasculature observed greater choroidal volume changes.