Retinal and Choroidal Changes in Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, by causing chronic inflammation, can affect not only oral tissues but also systemic organs. While the potential link between periodontal disease and eye diseases has attracted attention in recent years, data regarding retinal and choroidal structural changes are limited. In this study, periodontal clinical findings were compared with measurements of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and choroid thickness obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in a total of 80 individuals diagnosed with periodontal health, gingivitis, early periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. The findings showed that choroidal thickness increased and GCL thickness decreased as the severity of periodontal disease increased. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between periodontal disease and ocular structural changes and to provide a basis for future prospective research.

Group 1: Periodontal Healthy

Participants with clinically healthy periodontal tissues and no evidence of gingivitis or periodontitis.

Group 2: Gingivitis

Participants diagnosed with gingivitis, presenting gingival inflammation without clinical attachment loss.

Group 3: Early Periodontitis

Participants diagnosed with early-stage periodontitis based on clinical periodontal examination.

Group 4: Advanced Periodontitis

Participants diagnosed with advanced periodontitis with greater periodontal tissue destruction.

Primary outcomes

• Correlation Between Periodontal Disease Severity and Choroidal Thickness [Baseline]: The correlation between periodontal disease severity and choroidal thickness will be assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rₛ). Periodontal disease severity will be assessed using probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), measured in millimeters (mm) using a periodontal probe. Choroidal thickness will be measured in micrometers (µm) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Secondary outcomes

• Correlation Between Periodontal Disease Severity and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) Thickness [Baseline]: The correlation between periodontal disease severity and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness will be evaluated. Periodontal disease severity will be assessed using clinical periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), measured in millimeters (mm). RNFL thickness will be measured in micrometers (µm) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The correlation will be quantified using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rₛ).
• Correlation Between Periodontal Disease Severity and Ganglion Cell Layer (GCL) Thickness [Baseline]: The correlation between periodontal disease severity and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness will be evaluated. Periodontal disease severity will be assessed using clinical periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), measured in millimeters (mm). GCL thickness will be measured in micrometers (µm) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The correlation will be quantified using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rₛ).
• Correlation Between Periodontal Disease Severity and Inner Plexiform Layer (IPL) Thickness [Baseline]: The correlation between periodontal disease severity and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness will be evaluated. Periodontal disease severity will be assessed using clinical periodontal parameters, including probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), measured in millimeters (mm). IPL thickness will be measured in micrometers (µm) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The correlation will be quantified using Spearman's correlation coefficient (rₛ).

Sex: All, ages: 20 Years to 54 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

Systemically healthy adults. Non-smokers (no current or previous tobacco use). Participants who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. Participants who provided written informed consent and agreed to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Presence of any systemic disease. Current or former smokers. Participants with incomplete clinical or OCT data. Individuals who did not provide written informed consent.

\-