Choroidal Thickness Measured by Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography in Healthy Iranian subjects

Abstract Background This study evaluated choroidal thickness in healthy Iranian individuals using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) and evaluated its correlation with demographic characteristics, laboratory test results, anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular assessments, and spirometry findings. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 437 eyes from 437 healthy Iranian subjects were included. The highest-quality images were selected from both eyes. Choroidal thickness was measured subfoveally and at 500 and 1500 µm nasal and temporal to the fovea using EDI-OCT. Subjects with abnormal eye examinations or any retinal or choroidal diseases were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed to explore correlations between choroidal thickness and demographic features, laboratory test results, anthropometric evaluations, cardiovascular assessments, and spirometry findings. Results A total of 437 eyes from 187 males and 250 females were examined. The average age of males (42.79 ± 6.27) was significantly higher than that of females (41.60 ± 5.37) (p = 0.03). The overall mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 316.11 ± 63.83 µm. The average thickness for males was 319.88 ± 66.58 µm, while for females, it was 313.28 ± 61.68 µm, with no statistically significant difference. A weak but significant correlation was found between age and choroidal thickness (r= -0.17, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in choroidal thickness between genders. Conclusion In healthy Iranian subjects, the mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 316.11 ± 63.83 µm, and no significant gender-related differences were observed.