Characteristics of the retinal and choroidal thicknesses in myopic young adult males using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND

Changes in retinal and choroidal structures are key biomarkers for predicting, diagnosing, and monitoring various ocular conditions, including myopia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the characteristics of the retinal and choroidal thicknesses in myopic young adult males using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT).

METHODS

This cross-sectional comparative study included 198 young adults with a mean age of 21.87 ± 1.69 years, only male subjects were recruited for this study, comprising 102 diagnosed with myopia and 96 with emmetropia. Refraction was assessed using an autorefractometer, and comprehensive SSOCT scans were conducted to measure the thickness of the retina and choroid at nine predefined locations. Data analysis focused on identifying significant patterns and correlations between myopia and retinal and choroidal thickness.

RESULTS

Myopic subjects with a mean of -2.66 ± 1.59D exhibited significantly decreased retinal thickness compared to emmetropic with a mean of 0.18 ± 0.39D, (p < 0.01). Similarly, their choroidal thickness was also significantly thinner (p < 0.01). The findings showed a weak but statistically significant inverse correlation between retinal thickness and the spherical equivalent of myopia (r = -0.257, p < 0.01). Correspondingly, a stronger inverse correlation was observed between choroidal thickness and the spherical equivalent of myopia (r = -0.306, p < 0.01). Choroidal thickness in all studied areas showed an inverse correlation with the degree of myopia (p < 0.05), except in the superior outer region, where the association was not statistically significant (p = 0.056).

CONCLUSION

The study identified significant differences in the retinal and choroidal structures between myopic and emmetropic individuals. The use of SSOCT effectively detected these morphological changes in myopic young adults, offering valuable insights into myopia's pathophysiology and potentially guiding targeted therapeutic strategies for myopia control.