Diabetic maculopathy: Confrontation of FA and OCT‐A findings

Abstract

SummaryPurpose: To perform a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the foveal microvasculature in diabetic maculopathy using OCT‐A. Methods: Retrospective case series of 50 eyes with DM and 30 eyes of age‐matched controls, evaluated by conventional multimodal imaging and Spectralis OCT‐A Clinical features of DM were qualitatively analyzed and recorded on OCT‐A images. Moreover a fully automated micro‐structural analysis of the FAZ (area, perimeter, major axis, orientation), foveal vessel's density and non‐perfused areas was performed. Quantitative values were then compared with those of healthy subjects. Results: In the superficial capillary plexus, non‐perfused areas were present in all DM eyes. Conversely, in the deep capillary plexus, non‐perfused areas were detected in a lower number of cases. No significant differences were found in number of microaneurysms. Capillary density values were significantly lower in nearly all layers of DM patients. There was high (p < 0.05) inter‐observer agreement. Conclusion: OCT‐A is a useful technology for detecting DM abnormalities .The fully automated quantitative retinal vascular analysis may offer an objective method for monitoring disease progression and response to treatment.