Evaluation of choroidal thickness in neovascular glaucoma due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Dr. İffet Yarımağa Kaçarlar Resident Thesis, Department of Ophthalmology Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Oğuzhan Saygılı APRIL- 2018 Evaluation Of Choroidal Thickness In Neovascular Glaucoma Due To Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Purpose: To evaluate choroidal thickness in diabetic patients with neovascular glaucoma Methods: This prospective comparative study included 68 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy who referred to the clinic. Patients were divided into two groups, one with neovascular glaucoma and the other with no neovascular glaucoma. Choroidal thicknesses of the subfoveal, nasal and temporal areas were measured by taking images of single, horizontal, and fovea-centered sections with OCT (Optic Coherans Tomography) in patients whose detailed ophthalmic examinations were completed. Age, gender, refractive errors and axial lengths of the patients were recorded and analyzed. Choroidal thicknesses were compared. Results: The level of BVCA (Best corrected visual acuity) was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in SE (spherical equivalent) values between NVG (neovascular glaucoma) patients and non-NVG patients (p: 0.064). In the NVG group, IOP (intraocular pressure) was significantly higher than the other group (p: 0.001). There was no significant difference in the AXL (axial lenght) values between the two groups (p: 0.068). Mean subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness were significantly reduced in those with NVG compared to those without (p: 0.001 for all). Conclusions: In patients with NVG, subfoveal, temporal and nasal choroid is thinner than patients without NVG. Visual acuity levels in NVG patients are significantly lower than patients without NVG. Key words: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma, choroidal thickness