Association between lower extremity venous insufficiency and increased choroidal thickness

Lower extremity venous insufficiency (LEVI), a chronic venous insufficiency characterized by abnormal vasodilation and tortuosity in the lower extremities, is a worldwide public health problem. The prevalence of varicose veins in western women varies between 25–35% and 10–20% in men. It generally affects the adult population and the incidence increases with aging [1]. The exact mechanism underlying varicose veins is still unknown. Weakness of the venous wall structure, high venous pressure, venous valve insufficiency, sex hormonal changes, nutcracker phenomenon, and apoptosis can contribute to the development of varicose veins [2], [3], [4], [5], [6].

The choroid is a densely vascularized tissue that forms the posterior uvea under the retina and pigment epithelial layer. It plays important roles in the oxygenation and nutrition of the outer retina, the temperature regulation and the position of the retina, and the secretion of growth factors [7]. Choroidal thickness (CT) can be affected in many ocular diseases. For instance, central serous chorioretinopathy and Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease are associated with thicker choroid and age-related macular degeneration is related to thinner choroid [8], [9], [10]. Some authors have suggested that changes in CT are interrelated with changes in choroidal circulation or inflammation [8], [9], [11].

The intent of this study is to examine whether there is a difference in CT between LEVI and those without LEVI, and whether there is a relationship between CT and saphenofemoral insufficiency and the diameter of varicose veins.

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