Exploring the impact of age and gender on retinal and choroidal thickness and vascular densities: a comprehensive analysis.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the significance of age and gender on macular retinal and choroidal thicknesses (RT and CT) and related vascular density (VD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in a wide spectrum of normal participants.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 435 eyes of 234 normal healthy children and adults aged 5-97 years old who performed macular 3 × 3 mm scans using Optovue RTVue OCTA.

Results: A statistically meaningful relationship was detected between age and macular layered VD and RT parameters. The middle retinal thickness (MRT) experiences minimal alterations throughout the lifespan. The mean foveal superficial capillary plexus density (SVD), deep capillary plexus density (DVD), and parafoveal SVD had the most density between the 20-40 years and tended to decrease to lowest point by the seventies. Foveal choriocapillaris vascular density (CVD), parafoveal CVD and parafoveal DVD had a decreasing course during the life course. There was no significant difference in choroidal vascular index between age groups. FAZ revealed relatively insignificant minor changes across age groups. The male participants had higher VD than the female participants in all measured parameters, except for parafoveal DVD.

Conclusion: RT of different layers as well as the whole retina is known to be influenced by age while the MRT experiences minimal alterations throughout the lifespan. The VD of male participants exceeded that of female participants across all measured parameters, except parafoveal DVD. Differential retinal and choroidal vascular plexuses have different course during a man's life.