Diurnal variations in luminal and stromal areas of choroid in normal eyes

Br J Ophthalmol. 2017 Mar;101(3):360-364. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2016-308594. Epub 2016 Jun 13.

Abstract

Aims: To determine the diurnal variations of the luminal and stromal areas of the choroid in normal eyes.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study of 38 eyes of 38 normal subjects. The blood pressure, heart rate, intraocular pressure and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomographic (EDI-OCT) images were recorded every 3 hours between 6:00 and 21:00 hours. The horizontal EDI-OCT images of the subfoveal choroid were converted to binary images. The central choroidal thickness (CCT), total cross-sectional choroidal area, the luminal areas, stromal areas and the ratio of luminal area to total choroidal area (L/C ratio) were determined.

Results: There were significant diurnal variations in the CCT, total choroidal area, luminal area and L/C ratio with the maximum values at 6:00 hours and the minimum values at 15:00 hours (p<0.001 for the CCT, p=0.011 for the total choroidal area, p<0.001 for the luminal area and p=0.014 for the L/C ratio). There was no significant variation in the stromal area (p=0.216). The range of fluctuation in the CCT was significantly correlated with that in the luminal area and the total choroidal area (p<0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between the fluctuation range in the CCT and that in the stromal area (p=0.095). There was no statistical relationship between the systemic parameters and the choroidal parameters.

Conclusions: The changes in the luminal area are most likely responsible for the diurnal change in the CCT and subfoveal choroidal area.

Trial registration number: UMIN000019060, Pre-results.

Keywords: Choroid; Imaging; Macula; Physiology.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choroid / anatomy & histology*
  • Choroid / physiology
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intraocular Pressure / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence / methods
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • JPRN/UMIN000019060