Age and gender-related changes in choroidal thickness: Insights from deep learning analysis of swept-source OCT images

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2025.104511
• Publication Date: 2025-02-01T16:17:10Z
• Authors: Dan Song; Guanzheng Wang; Guangfeng Liu; Chengxia Zhang; Bin Lv; Yuan Ni; Guotong Xie
• Keywords: Haller layer thickness; Sattler layer-choriocapillaris complex thickness; Medicine (General); R5-920; Choroidal thickness; Deep learning algorithm

The choroid is a vital vascular layer of the eye, essential for maintaining ocular health. Understanding its structural variations, particularly choroidal thickness (CT), crucial early detection diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), high myopia (HM), and diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent advancements in deep learning have significantly improved segmentation measurement layers. This study aims to investigate age- gender-related changes CT components through analysis swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images. A total 262 participants (136 females 126 males) were recruited from Peking University International Hospital. Exclusion criteria included pathologies systemic conditions. SS-OCT was utilized CT, Sattler layer-choriocapillaris complex (SLCCT), Haller (HLT) measurements. auto-measurement method, based on algorithms, ensured accuracy. Ethics approval informed consent obtained all participants. Significant thinning SLCCT observed after age 60, with HLT declining 30. Females exhibited marked between ages 40 50, while males began show at 60. research highlights thickness, particular emphasis gender differences. findings suggest that experience earlier thinning, potentially attributable hormonal changes. Additionally, validates efficiency algorithms measuring thereby enhancing reliability clinical practice.