Choroidal vascularity index in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate choroidal vascular involvement in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PEXG) by applying the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) to optic coherence tomography (OCT) images. Methods Seventy-eight eyes from 40 subjects were included the study. Group 1 included healthy eyes (n = 20), group 2 eyes with PEX (n = 16), and group 3 eyes with PEXG (n = 42). OCT imaging of macular and peripapillary regions and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analyses were performed. CVI was calculated using ImageJ software. Results The mean age was 64.89 +/- 5.8, 71.2 +/- 7.8, and 68.24 +/- 7.4 years in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.046). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of sex (p = 0.777). In macula, mean CVI rates were 66.97 +/- 1.9%, 64.23 +/- 1.2%, and 64.63 +/- 1.6%, and in the peripapillary areas, mean CVI rates were 67.04 +/- 1.5%, 65.20 +/- 1.5%, and 64.14 +/- 2.1% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (group 1 vs. group 2 and 3, p = 0.000; group 2 vs. group 3, p > 0.05). The decrease in average RNFL thickness was statistically significant in group 3 compared to groups 1 and 2. Conclusion CVI could be used to assess choroidal vascular changes in ocular diseases. CVI was found to be reduced in PEX and PEXG, indicating an ocular vascular involvement in pseudoexfoliative process.