Objective: To evaluate Choroidal Vascularity Index (CVI) with the enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDIOCT) and thus gain a new perspective on ocular involvement in rosacea patients, particularly those with papulopustular rosacea. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 34 papulopustular rosacea patients (Group 1) and 34 healthy subjects (Group 2). After a thorough ocular examination, an experienced technician performed EDI-OCT. Choroidal area was saved as a JPEG file, and the luminal area (LA) and stromal area were processed with Image-J. CVI was determined by dividing the macular LA by the vascular area (VA). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mean thicknesses were measured automatically. An Optic Disc Density Index (ODI) was calculated by dividing the mean RNFL and RPE thicknesses. Results: Group 1 and Group 2 had average ages of 42.70±12.5 and 42.60±12.3 years, respectively (p=0.997). Though there was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2, LA and VA were higher in the former, while CVI was the same (p>0.05). The mean RNFL thicknesses were all non-significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p>0.05). Group 1 had a thicker mean RPE than Group 2 (p=0.243). Despite the non-significant difference, the ODI had a tendency to decrease in Group 1 relative to Group 2 (p=0.070). Although no significant difference in RNFL thickness between papulopustular rosacea patients and healthy subjects, optic nerve damage may still be present. Conclusion: CVI and ODI did not differ between groups.However, posterior segment involvement should not be overlooked in rosacea-related ocular inflammation.
Ay et al. (2026) studied this question.