A study based in China determined the posterior pole choroid thickness (CT) of children with diabetes without visual impairment or diabetic retinopathy (DR) to provide data for future studies on screening indicators. The researchers also determined spherical equivalent refraction, serum cholesterol concentration and family history of hypertension as independent factors of choroid thickness changes.

In 44 children with type I diabetes and 48 controls, researchers examined the center of the optic disc and macula. Areas analyzed included CT at the macular center (1mm), and temporal, superior, nasal or inferior aspect of the inner ring (1mm to 3mm) and outer ring of (3mm to 6mm) optic disc and macula.

Compared with controls, the children with diabetes had significant increase in the inferior inner ring of parapapillary CT (100.99µm vs. 89.41µm) and nasal outer ring of parapapillary CT (157.02µm vs. 131.15µm). Researchers determined that spherical equivalent refraction and family history of hypertension were independent factors of both peripapillary choroid thickness and macular choroid thickness. 

CT increase in the nasal outer ring of parapapillary and the inferior inner ring of parapapillary was determined as the characteristic pre‐DR alteration at the early stage of diabetes. The study concluded the change of the nasal outer ring of parapapillary CT and the inferior inner ring of parapapillary CT may be more advanced in children with higher serum cholesterol and family history of hypertension.