Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness Is Associated with Blood Hematocrit Level

Abstract

Purpose: To compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), retinal vessel caliber, and ocular pulse amplitude between treated polycythemia vera (PV) patients and healthy adults. Methods: Forty patients with PV and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used for SFCT and retinal vessel caliber measurements. The Pascal dynamic contour tonometer was used for ocular pulse amplitude measurements. The correlations of blood hematocrit levels with the studied ocular parameters were analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the PV patients and controls in SFCT, retinal vessel caliber, and ocular pulse amplitude (p > 0.05). SFCT was associated with hematocrit level in both PV patients and healthy adults (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although SFCT, retinal vessel caliber, and ocular pulse amplitude parameters are similar in treated PV patients and healthy controls, SFCT is associated with hematocrit level. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.