Choroidal thickness, ganglion cell layer and retinal nerve fiber layer: An evaluation in vitiligo patients

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the choroidal and retinal structures in vitiligo patients without periocular involvement.

Methods: Choroidal and retinal images of 30 vitiligo patients and 31 healthy individuals were taken using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), in this study. The choroidal thickness (CT) was measured at the fovea and at two points 1500 μm nasal and temporal positions to the fovea in a horizontal section.

Results: Subfoveal CT values were significantly lower in vitiligo patients (P = 0.037). The differences between the groups in terms of superior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and average macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) values (P = 0.035 and P = 0.004, respectively) were statistically significant. Vitiligo area severity index (VASI) negatively correlated only with nasal RNFL values (r = −0.370). There was no significant correlation between other OCT parameters and VASI values (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: CT and mGCIPL were found to be thinner in vitiligo patients. Progressive damage to the melanocytes in vitiligo, which play a protective role in the ocular structure, may result in these findings.