ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and imaging characteristics of eyes with idiopathic focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and acquired FCE, and to preliminarily analyze the association of FCE with different fundus diseases. MethodsA retrospective clinical study. A total of 90 patients (93 eyes) diagnosed with FCE at the Ophthalmology Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2021 to May 2024 were included in the study. All affected eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, fundoscopy, fundus color photography, and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). SS-OCT was used to measure subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), choroidal thickness at the temporal, nasal, and inferior margins of the FCE, as well as the maximum width and depth of the FCE. Based on the presence of concomitant fundus diseases, FCE cases were divided into an idiopathic FCE group (51 eyes) and an acquired FCE group (42 eyes). Clinical characteristics at the initial and final visits were compared between the two groups. Clinical features were also analyzed for acquired FCE eyes with different associated fundus diseases. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for FCE coexisting with other fundus diseases. ResultsCompared to the idiopathic FCE group, the acquired FCE group had significantly decreased BCVA (Z=−8.290), significantly increased FCE width (Z=−2.762), and significantly higher incidence rates of saucer-shaped FCE (χ2=8.352) and ellipsoid zone disruption (χ2=7.999). These differences were all statistically significant (P＜0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in age, gender distribution, IOP, foveal involvement, proportion of conforming FCE, RPE-Bruch’s membrane rupture, presence of hyperreflective material under the excavation, presence of surrounding thick vessels, FCE depth, SFCT, or choroidal thickness at the inferior, temporal, and nasal margins of the FCE (P＞0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that FCE width (odds ratio=1.002, 95% confidence interval: 1.001-1.004, P=0.005) was the sole risk factor for FCE coexisting with other fundus complications. In both the idiopathic and acquired FCE groups, FCE depth and width remained relatively stable during follow-up. BCVA improved in the acquired FCE group after treatment. ConclusionsFCE can coexist with various fundus diseases. FCE width is the only risk factor for the development of other fundus complications in FCE-affected eyes. Treating retinal or choroidal diseases associated with acquired FCE can provide visual benefits to patients.