Three-dimensional choroidal changes in diabetes and diabetic retinopathy: An ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography study.

PURPOSE

To investigate choroidal changes in different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and determine the effect of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on choroid based on volumetric measurements of ultrawide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF-SS-OCTA).

METHODS

This observational study included 56 healthy controls, 192 treatment-naïve DR patients, and 42 PRP-treated DR patients who have undergone UWF-SS-OCTA measurements. Treatment-naïve DR patients were further grouped according to varying severity of DR. Choroidal parameters were analyzed and compared among these groups according to central and peripheral areas. Spearman analysis was performed to determine the association between non-perfusion area (NPA) and choroidal parameters.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, choroidal thickness (CT) and volume (CV), including both vascular and stromal volume (CVV/a and CSV/a) were decreased in treatment-naïve DR patients in full range, while choroidal vascularity index (CVI) decreased only in the peripheral area (P = 0.04). In detail, choroid was thinning in no-DR (NDR) and mild NPDR, followed by an increased trend in moderate and late stages of DR. NPA was positively associated with CT, CV, CVV/a, and CSV/a in moderate and late stages of DR. Choroidal parameters decreased in PRP-treated eyes except for an increase of CVI in the central area.

CONCLUSION

Choroid was thinning in treatment-naïve DR eyes. Specifically, choroid decreased in the early stage and further increased with DR progression; increased expression of VEGF may be a key factor in choroidal thickening. PRP treatment could contribute to the redistribution of choroidal blood flow and improve the perfusion of the macula.