In vivo assessment of cone loss and macular perfusion in children with myopia

Abstract

This study evaluated cone density (CD) in the macular region and assess macular perfusion in children with varying degrees of myopia. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Children underwent confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA) imaging. A built-in software was used to measure mean CD (cells/mm2), retinal vessel density, choriocapillaris perfusion area, and choroidal thickness (CT). The study included 140 eyes from children categorized into four groups: emmetropia (31 eyes), low myopia (44 eyes), moderate myopia (31 eyes), and high myopia (34 eyes). The high myopia group exhibited significantly lower macular CD than the emmetropia group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the high myopia group showed thinner CT and higher choriocapillaris perfusion area in the macular region than the emmetropia group (all P < 0.01). Macular CD was significantly correlated with age, spherical equivalent, axial length, and CT (all P < 0.05). Generalized linear models revealed CT as the independent factor associated with macular CD (Wald χ2 = 9.265, P = 0.002). Children with high myopia demonstrate reduced CD in the macular region, accompanied by reduced CT. These findings may have important implications for future myopia prevention and management strategies.