Associations between body mass index and choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal vascular indices, and foveal avascular zone measured by OCTA

Aim: The present study explores the effects of Body Mass Index (BMI) on choroidal thickness, the deep and superficial retinal capillary plexuses, and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Methods: The subjects in this prospective study were divided into five groups based on their calculated BMI. Choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses, and FAZ were measured using enhance depth imaging (EDI) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The groups were then compared and correlations with BMI were evaluated. Results: The study included 210 eyes of 105 subjects. The comparison of the BMI groups revealed a significant decrease in the mean choroidal thicknesses in the obese groups (p = 0.001), and a significant negative correlation between BMI and mean choroidal thickness (p = 0.02). The results of the analysis of the mean superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses did not differ between the groups (p = 0.089, p = 0.808 respectively), while the deep FAZ measurements revealed a significant decrease in the obese groups (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Choroidal thickness and deep FAZ are significantly negatively correlated with BMI, suggesting potential choroidal and retinal microvascular effects of obesity.