Correlation of choroidal thickness and c-reactive protein levels in patients with age-related macular degeneration

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly population. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, with inflammation and vascular changes playing significant roles. Understanding the association between systemic inflammatory markers and ocular structural changes is crucial for early detection and management.

Aim: To evaluate the correlation between choroidal thickness and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in patients with AMD.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 94 patients diagnosed with AMD at a tertiary care hospital in Panipat from September 2023 to September 2025. Detailed history, smoking status, physical activity assessment, BMI calculation, comprehensive ophthalmic examination, CRP measurement, and swept-source OCT imaging for choroidal thickness were performed. Patients were categorized into Normal, Early AMD, and Late AMD groups based on clinical findings.

Results: Among the 94 participants, males and females were equally represented. A majority were smokers (76.6%), had low physical activity levels (61.7%), and were obese (59.5%). Early AMD was the most common stage (63.8%), followed by Normal (19.1%) and Late AMD (17%). The mean age was 69.54 years, mean BMI was 31.20 kg/m^², mean choroidal thickness was 226.15 µm, and mean CRP level was 6.29 mg/L. Higher CRP levels were associated with increased severity of AMD, while choroidal thickness showed a decreasing trend with disease progression.

Conclusion: AMD severity is strongly associated with systemic inflammation, smoking, obesity, and low physical activity. Reduced choroidal thickness and elevated CRP levels correlate with advanced disease stages. Early lifestyle modification and regular monitoring may help in slowing disease progression and preserving vision.

Keywords: Age-Related Macular Degeneration, CRP, Choroidal Thickness, Inflammation, OCT