Abstract
To assess changes in the disc-fovea distance (DFD) in highly myopic eyes in a 10-year population-based follow-up study. The case control study included all highly myopic eyes (myopic refractive error ≥ − 6.0 diopters or axial length ≥ 26.0 mm) and a randomized group of non-highly myopic eyes examined in the population-based Beijing Eye Study 2001 and 2011. Using fundus photographs and optical coherence tomographic images, we assessed changes in DFD, parapapillary gamma zone, angle kappa (angle between the temporal arterial arcades), and course of papillo-macular retinal vessels. The study included 89 highly myopic eyes and 86 non-highly myopic eyes. DFD elongation, gamma zone widening, angle kappa decrease and straightening of papillo-macular retinal vessels were detected more often (all P < 0.001) in the highly myopic group than in the non-highly myopic group (63/89 versus 9/86;75/89 versus 18/86;61/89 versus 9/86; and 58/89 versus 7/86,respectively). Gamma zone enlargement, angle kappa reduction and papillo-macular retinal vessel straightening were significantly (all P < 0.001) associated with DFD elongation. The length of macular Bruch’s membrane on the disc-fovea line and the vertical distance between the temporal arterial arcade did not change during follow-up. DFD elongation (10-year incidence 70.8% in highly myopic eyes) was associated with gamma zone enlargement, while macular Bruch’s membrane length remained unchanged. It supports the notion of a temporal shift of an otherwise stable posterior Bruch’s membrane in axially elongated eyes. Straightening of the papillo-macular vessels with increasing gamma zone width suggests a coincident stretching of the papillo-macular retinal nerve fibers and inner limiting membrane.
Highlights
To assess changes in the disc-fovea distance (DFD) in highly myopic eyes in a 10-year population-based follow-up study
The frequency of a DFD elongation was associated with a higher prevalence of an enlargement of gamma zone (P < 0.001), a more myopic refractive error (P = 0.03), and a higher prevalence of progression of myopic maculopathy (P < 0.001). In this population-based sample of highly myopic eyes, the prevalence of a DFD elongation during a follow-up of 10 years was relatively high (70.8%), and it was associated with a widening of gamma zone, a decrease in angle kappa, and a straightening of the papillo-macular retinal vessels
The vertical distance between the temporal arterial arcades was not related with axial length if eyes with macular BM defects were e xcluded[18]
Summary
To assess changes in the disc-fovea distance (DFD) in highly myopic eyes in a 10-year population-based follow-up study. DFD elongation (10-year incidence 70.8% in highly myopic eyes) was associated with gamma zone enlargement, while macular Bruch’s membrane length remained unchanged. It supports the notion of a temporal shift of an otherwise stable posterior Bruch’s membrane in axially elongated eyes. The fovea is located more inferiorly in eyes with an inferior gamma zone than in eyes with a superior gamma z one[13] These observations made in cross-sectional studies led to the notion that BM with its associated retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor layer may shift during the process of axial elongation into the posterior direction, potentially caused by a formation of new BM in the equatorial r egion[14]. To avoid a potential bias by the referral of patients to a hospital, we choose a population-based recruitment of the study population
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
