Short-Term Effects of Dark Chocolate on Retinal and Choriocapillaris Perfusion in Young, Healthy Subjects Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Abstract

1) Aim: Contrasting results have been published on the effect of dark chocolate on visual function. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris perfusion, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual function in healthy subjects following dark chocolate ingestion. (2) Methods: This prospective randomized study was carried out on 18 healthy young subjects at the St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome. Visual acuity assessment and a complete ophthalmologic examination were carried out at baseline. In session one, each subject was randomized to eat either a 100 g dark chocolate bar or a 100 g white chocolate bar. In session two, the opposite chocolate was given to each participant. OCT-A and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed before the chocolate was eaten and repeated 1, 2, and 3 h after that. Retinal vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area were assessed. (3) Results: 18 patients with a mean (SD) age of 26.3 (1.5) years were included. No significant differences between dark or white chocolate were found when evaluating foveal density (%), whole density (%), choriocapillaris flow area, and BCVA. (4) Conclusions: Dark chocolate did not result in significant changes in retinal perfusion and choriocapillaris flow area. However, given the results of other studies showing the positive effects of flavonoids on visual function, further studies are warranted using pure chocolate without other components such as caffeine that can potentially affect results. Furthermore, we cannot rule out the possible benefits of higher doses of flavonoids in dietary supplementation over a more extended period and in a larger patient population.

An Update on Multimodal Ophthalmological Imaging of Diffuse Choroidal Hemangioma in Sturge–Weber Syndrome

“…This technology enables the segmentation of choroid-retinal vascularization into distinct layers, including the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexuses (DCP), the outer retina, and the choriocapillaris (CC). Figure 4 shows the OCTA segmentation into SCP, DCP, and CC layers [ 68 , 69 ].…”

“…This technology enables the segmentation of choroid-retinal vascularization into distinct layers, including the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexuses (DCP), the outer retina, and the choriocapillaris (CC). Figure 4 shows the OCTA segmentation into SCP, DCP, and CC layers [68,69]. A recent study examined the role of OCTA in evaluating CCHs, underlying how it can provide insight into lesion characteristics by analyzing density, flow, and vascular patterns.…”

Impact of Nutraceuticals on Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus-Induced Micro- and Macrovasculopathies

“…Indeed, flavanols (found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cocoa products) offer a promising alternative treatment for diabetes mellitus due to their plentiful antioxidant capabilities (higher phenolic compounds) [71]. These nutraceuticals' mechanisms for improving diabetes and retinal function include, but are not limited to, increasing insulin sensitivity, lowering blood pressure and inflammatory processes, and preventing platelet activation and aggregation [71,88]. It would be excellent to examine the preventive effects of cocoa (flavanol nutraceutical) against hyperglycemia-induced retinal dysfunctions in adult Sprague Dawley rats in order to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development and advanced state of diabetic retinopathy.…”

Changes of Choroidal Thickness Varied Due to Different Lunch Break Posture and Refractive

“…The choroid, a vital anatomical structure within the human eye, serves as the primary source of blood supply to the outer retina [5][6][7] . Numerous studies have indicated a correlation between sleep patterns and the onset of myopia, with the impact of sleep on the choroid potentially serving as a contributing factor [8][9][10][11][12] .The choroid demonstrates a reduced thickness in eyes a icted with myopia when juxtaposed with eyes a icted with astigmatism and hyperopia 13 .This has prompted several studies to propose that choroidal thickness could serve as an indicator of myopia progression, although this correlation has not been de nitively established through quantitative analysis. Therefore, thickening of the choroid may potentially delay the onset of myopia, even if such thickening is only temporary.…”