Macular Vessel Density Measurements Research Articles

Study of Optic Disc and Macular Vascularity in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Background Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a sight threatening disease. It is the second most common vascular retinal disease after diabetic retinopathy. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is considered as the most dreadful form, with prevalence of nearly 1 in 1000 in the population aged ≥30 years. Aim of the Work To quantify changes in optic disc and macular vasculature in patients with CRVO using optical coherence tomography angiography. Patients and Methods In our study, we included 20 eyes of twenty patients with treatment naïve cases of CRVO. These cases were selected from the outpatient clinic at Ain shams University Hospital between January 2020 and October 2021. Included subjects were patients diagnosed with CRVO, who received no previous treatment neither by injection nor by laser. Only patients with media opacity that are dense enough to impede sufficient image quality for reliable interpretation were excluded. Results Our study was able to prove the agreement between the quantitative vessel density (VD) measurement in the macula and the current fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) based assessment of macular ischemia. We were able to confirm a deep component to the pathological process in CRVO as proposed by the current literature and be able to assess it simultaneously in relation to the superficial microcirculation using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and FFA. We found the optic disc VD parameters to be a significant indicator of global retina perfusion which could be of value in assessment and follow up of patients especially in the presence of confounding factors for macular VD measurement as extensive edema. We found significant correlation between FAZ size and measured macular vessel density indicating congruity of the two ischemic parameters. Conclusion OCTA is a new modality for retinal imaging, providing a noninvasive alternative for the gold standard FFA. It visualizes microvascular changes in cases of vascular diseases at least with the same sensitivity as FFA. It has the definite advantage of being easily repeated in case of poor quality and patients who needs recurrent follow up imaging. It can be also used in patients who don’t qualify for or with contraindications to FFA. However, OCTA is liable to inaccuracy due to inherent disadvantages as segmentation and projection artifacts.

Reproducibilidad de la densidad vascular peripapilar, cabeza del nervio óptico y área macular por OCT-A de acuerdo con la severidad del glaucoma

ObjectiveTo assess the reproducibility of peripapillary, optic nerve head (ONH-PP) and macular vessel density (VD) by spectral domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD OCT-A) in glaucoma patients and healthy subjects. MethodsCross-sectional study assessing 63 eyes of 63 subjects, including 33 glaucoma patients and 30 healthy subjects. Glaucoma was classified in mild, moderate, or advanced. Two consecutive scans were acquired by spectralis module OCT-A (Heidelberg, Germany), and provided images of the superficial vascular complex (SVC), nerve fiber layer vascular plexus (NFLVP), superficial vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular complex (DVC), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). VD (%) was calculated by AngioTool. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated. ResultsAmong ONH-PP VD, better ICC presented advanced (0.86-0.96) and moderate glaucoma (0.83-0.97) compared with mild glaucoma (0.64-0.86). For the macular VD reproducibility, ICC results for superficial retinal layers were better for mild glaucoma (0.94-0.96) followed by moderated (0.88-0.93) and advanced glaucoma (0.85-0.91), and for deeper retinal layers ICC was better for moderate glaucoma (0,95-0,96) followed by advanced (0.80-0.86) and mild glaucoma (0.74-0.91). CVs ranged from 2.2%% to 10.94%. Among healthy subjects, ICCs for the ONH-PP VD measurements (0.91-0.99) and for the macular VD measurements (0.93-0.97) were excellent in all layers, with CVs from 1.65% to 10.33%. ConclusionsSD OCT-A used to quantify macular and ONH-PP VD showed excellent and good reproducibility in most layers of the retina, both in healthy subjects and in glaucoma patients regardless of the severity of the disease.

Reproducibility of peripapillary, optic nerve head and macular vessel density by OCT-A according to glaucoma severity staging

ObjectiveTo assess the reproducibility of peripapillary, optic nerve head (PP-ONH) and macular vessel density (VD) by Spectral Domain optical coherence tomography angiography (SD OCT-A) in glaucoma patients and healthy subjects. MethodsCross-sectional study assessing 63 eyes of 63 subjects, including 33 glaucoma patients and 30 healthy subjects. Glaucoma was classified in mild, moderate, or advanced. Two consecutive scans were acquired by Spectralis Module OCT-A (Heidelberg, Germany), and provided images of the superficial vascular complex (SVC), nerve fiber layer vascular plexus (NFLVP), superficial vascular plexus (SVP); deep vascular complex (DVC), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). VD (%) was calculated by AngioTool. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated. ResultsAmong PP-ONH VD, better ICC presented advanced (ICC 0.86–0.96) and moderate glaucoma (ICC 0.83–0.97) compared with mild glaucoma (0.64−0.86). For the macular VD reproducibility, ICC results for superficial retinal layers were better for mild glaucoma (0.94−0.96) followed by moderated (0.88−0.93) and advanced glaucoma (0.85−0.91), and for deeper retinal layers ICC was better for moderate glaucoma (0.95–0.96) followed by advanced (0.80−0.86) and mild glaucoma (0.74−0.91). CVs ranged from 2.2% to 10.94%. Among healthy subjects, ICCs for the PP-ONH VD measurements (0.91−0.99) and for the macular VD measurements (0.93−0.97) were excellent in all layers, with CVs from 1.65% to 10.33%. ConclusionsSD OCT-A used to quantify macular and PP-ONH VD showed excellent and good reproducibility in most layers of the retina, both in healthy subjects and in glaucoma patients regardless of the severity of the disease.

The Association Between Regional Macula Vessel Density and Central Visual Field Damage in Advanced Glaucoma Eyes.

Both macular superficial vessel density and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measurement are significantly associated with regional and global 10-degree central visual field (VF) sensitivity in advanced glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the regional and global structure-function relationships between macular vessel density (MVD) assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and 10-2 VF sensitivity in advanced open angle glaucoma eyes. Macular OCTA and 10-2 VF sensitivity of 44 patients [mean deviation (MD) <-10 dB] were evaluated. Regional and global VF mean sensitivity (MS) was calculated from total deviation plots. Superficial and deep MVD were obtained from 3 × 3 and 6×6 mm 2 OCTA scans using 2 sectoral definitions. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography macular GCC thickness was obtained simultaneously from the same scan as the MVD measurements. Linear regression models were used to assess the associations ( R2 ). Lower MS was significantly associated with a reduction in superficial MVD and GCC in each region of both scan sizes for both maps. Associations were weaker in the individual sectors of the whole image grid than the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study map. Deep-layer MVD was not associated with central MS. Although 6×6 mm 2 and perifoveal vessel density had better associations with central 10-degree MS compared with GCC thickness (eg, R2 from 25.7 to 48.1 µm and 7.8% to 32.5%, respectively), GCC associations were stronger than MVD associations in the central 5-degree MS. Given a stronger MVD-central 10-degree VF association compared with GCC, as well as stronger GCC-central 5-degree VF association compared with MVD, MVD and GCC are complementary measurements in eyes with advanced glaucoma. A longitudinal analysis is needed to determine the relative utility of the GCC and MVD measurements.

Macular Vessel Density Measurement in Pediatric Renal and Liver Transplant

Microcirculatory dysfunction is known to be associated with organ failure and increased mortality in transplant patients. Noninvasive monitorization of retinal structures of the eye could be a predictor for systemic microvasculature in these patients. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the retinal microvascular changes in pediatric patients who had undergone liver or renal transplant surgery, using optical coherence tomography angiography. The medical records of pediatric patients who had liver or renal transplant in the past 10 years were reviewed. The macular vessel density parameters were obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography (Avanti RTVue XR). The results were compared with the age-matched, sex-matched, and spherical equivalent-matched healthy participants (control group). The IBM SPSS (version 25.0) statistics program was used for data analysis. We included 32 eyes of 16 liver transplant patients, 20 eyes of 10 renal transplant patients, and 64 eyes of 32 healthy participants (control group). Superficial macular whole image, superficial perifoveal, and deep foveal vessel densities were found to be lower in the liver transplant group compared with the healthy control group (P = .02, P = .01, and P = .01, respectively). Superficial foveal, deep macular whole image, deep foveal, and deep perifoveal vessel densities were found to be lower in the renal transplant group compared with the healthy control group (P = .03, P = .04, P = .01, and P = .02, respectively). Macular vessel density measurements are affected in pediatric renal and liver transplant patients. In those patients, retinal optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography measurements may provide a noninvasive window to the microcirculation.

Quantitative Evaluation of Macular Vessel Density Measurement by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Patients with Inactive Ocular Sarcoidosis

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the macular vessel density (VD) in inactive ocular sarcoidosis (OS) and investigatethe relationship between VD and both disease duration and visual acuity (VA). Methods This cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary hospital. The macular VDs of patients with OSwere obtained using optical coherence tomography angiography and compared withhealthy subjects. Results Deep whole image macular VD (WI-MVD), parafoveal, and perifoveal VDs were lower in OS group (p =.01, p = .01, p = .02, respectively). Negative correlation between diseaseduration and both superficial and deep WI-MVD, parafoveal, and perifoveal VDswas obtained (for all p < .05). There was a positive correlation between VAand superficial VD (p < .001, r = 0.848 for WI-MVD). Conclusion OS affects deep VD significantly. Changes in superficial VD affect VA more. Disease duration is an important factor affecting macular VD.

OCT Angiography for the Diagnosis of Glaucoma: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

To review the current published literature on the use of OCT angiography (OCTA) to help detect changes associated with the diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma. Searches of the peer-reviewed literature were conducted in March 2018, June 2018, April 2019, December 2019, and June 2020 in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Abstracts of 459 articles were examined to exclude reviews and non-English articles. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 75 articles were selected and the panel methodologist rated them for strength of evidence. Three articles were rated level I and 57 articles were rated level II. The 15 level III articles were excluded. OCT angiography can detect decreased capillary vessel density within the peripapillary nerve fiber layer (level II) and macula (level I and II) in patients with suspected glaucoma, preperimetric glaucoma, and perimetric glaucoma. The degree of vessel density loss correlates significantly with glaucoma severity both overall and topographically (level II) as well as longitudinally (level I). For differentiating glaucomatous from healthy eyes, some studies found that peripapillary and macular vessel density measurements by OCTA show a diagnostic ability (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) that is comparable with structural OCT retinal nerve fiber and ganglion cell thickness measurements, whereas other studies found that structural OCT measurements perform better. Choroidal or deep-layer microvasculature dropout as measured by OCTA is also associated with glaucoma damage (level I and II). Lower peripapillary and macular vessel density and choroidal microvasculature dropout are associated with faster rates of disease progression (level I and II). Vessel density loss associated with glaucoma can be detected by OCTA. Peripapillary, macular, and choroidal vessel density parameters may complement visual field and structural OCT measurements in the diagnosis of glaucoma.

Macular capillary perfusion density and macular vessel density in open‐angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: a quantitative study using optical coherence tomography angiography

PurposeTo investigate macular vascular changes in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and to correlate these vascular parameters with structural and functional outcomes.MethodsA prospective observational study was performed with 46 open‐angle glaucoma eyes (GE), 35 ocular hypertension eyes (OHE) and 47 gender‐ and age‐matched control eyes (CE). Visual field tests were performed with the Humphrey Field Analyzer 3. Angioplex HD‐OCT Cirrus 5000 was used to capture the macular region using a 6 × 6 mm scan. Macular Capillary Perfusion Density (MPD) and Macular Vessel Density (MVD) were automatically quantified by the owner’s microangiography‐complex algorithm. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal‐Wallis Test, Bonferroni Post Hoc analysis and Spearman rank correlation.ResultsMPD and MVD in GE were lower than those in OHE and CE (−37.32% and −37.09%), and the superior and inferior sectors were the most affected. In OHE, MPD and MVD were also lower when compared with CE (p &lt; 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons). However, the FAZ was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.054). Regression analysis showed that MVD was moderately correlated with ganglion cell layer (r = +0.424), visual field mean deviation (r = +0.447) and retinal nerve fiber layer (r = +0.468). MPD had similar correlations (r = +0.431; +0.443 and +0.470, respectively). Superior and nasal sectors were the most correlated (p &lt; 0.001 for all).ConclusionsData showed that in GE, vascular changes took place in the macular area, concretely MPD and MVD measurements were similarly reduced. This finding was not previously described and suggests that the vascular damage of the macular area may occur concurrently among large vessels and smaller capillaries. OHE measurements were also lower compared with CE, and this suggests that, at initial phases of the disease, vascular abnormalities may occur before structural damage can be detected. As MPD and MVD showed to be correlated with traditional glaucoma parameters, OCTA may be useful in the future to monitor glaucoma patients. Nevertheless, further research with larger population is needed to obtain stronger results.

Peripapillary and Macular Vessel Density Measurement With Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Exfoliation Syndrome.

Although peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLTs) and vessel density (VD) values were similar to healthy group, eyes with exfoliation syndrome had significantly lower superficial macular VDs and minimum ganglion cell analysis values. To compare peripapillary and macular perfused capillary densities with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) between patients with eyes having exfoliation syndrome (XFS) and normal age-matched healthy controls. This cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with XFS from December 2017 to January 2020 at the Glaucoma Department. Peripapillary and parafoveal superficial VDs were obtained using OCT-A. The RNFLTs and ganglion cell analysis values were compared. Thirty-nine eyes of 39 XFS patients (26 women; mean age, 69.0±8.1 y) and 39 eyes of 39 healthy patients (25 women; mean age, 68.0±8.6 y) were enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences in sex or age distribution, central corneal thickness measurements, refractive errors, or intraocular pressures between both groups (all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the peripapillary VD or peripapillary RNFLT between XFS eyes and healthy eyes (P>0.05 for all). In the macular region, most superficial VD parameters were significantly reduced in the XFS group (P=0.02 for parafoveal VD, P=0.04 for both hemifields). While the average ganglion cell and internal plexiform layer (GCL+IPL) values were similar between groups (P=0.19), the minimum GCL+IPL value was lower in the XFS group than in the healthy group (P=0.03). Although structural test results, especially peripapillary RNFLT and mean GCL+IPL, were similar between the healthy and XFS groups, macular VD values were lower in XFS eyes. Our findings implicate microvascular damage can be the mechanism underlying XFS-related changes and indicate that it precedes significant structural damage.

Diurnal fluctuations of macular vessel density in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and healthy subjects.

To investigate the diurnal fluctuations of macular vessel density (VD) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and healthy subjects using optical coherence tomography angiography. A total of 22 POAG eyes and 15 healthy eyes were included in this study. Macular VD, intraocular pressure, and blood pressure were repeatedly measured from 8 AM to 8 PM at a 2-h interval on a single day. the macular VD measurements, their diurnal fluctuations, including the difference between their maximal and minimal value (max-min) and their coefficient of variation (CV) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). The mixed-effects model was performed to compare the fluctuations between groups. After adjusted age, the diurnal fluctuations of macular VD in SCP and DCP were significantly higher in POAG eyes compared with healthy subjects (max-min: 6.65 ± 3.54%, 3.92 ± 3.63%, respectively; p = 0.037 and CV: 0.06 ± 0.03, 0.04 ± 0.03, respectively; p = 0.003). The fovea VD in DCP of POAG eyes was higher than in healthy subjects (31.52 ± 4.68% and 25.71 ± 3.70%, p = 0.009). However, there was no significant difference between the fovea VD in SCP in two groups (20.97 ± 4.75% and 19.29 ± 4.35%, p = 0.670). The diurnal macular superficial VD measured in most of the participants was lower in the morning. Whether it is a max-min or a CV assessment method, the POAG eyes had more significant diurnal fluctuations of macular VD than healthy controls, suggesting impaired vascular autoregulation in POAG eyes.

Macular vessel density versus ganglion cell complex thickness for detection of early primary open-angle glaucoma

BackgroundTo evaluate the macular vessel density (VD) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness in pre-perimetric (PPG) and early perimetric primary open-angle glaucoma (PG) eyes, and to compare the diagnostic ability of the two measurements to discriminate PPG and early PG eyes from healthy eyes.MethodsSeventy-nine eyes in 72 subjects (31 normal, 26 PPG, and 22 early PG eyes) were included in the consecutive case series. Macular VD and GCC thickness were acquired simultaneously using the 6 × 6 mm2 high-density AngioRetina scanning mode. Diagnostic abilities were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).ResultsCompared to healthy eyes, whole image VD (wiVD) and GCC thickness were significantly lower in PPG and early PG eyes (all P < 0.025). The percent reduction of wiVD was lower than that of GCC thickness in early PG eyes (P < 0.05), while they were similar in PPG eyes (P > 0.05). Regionally, greater VD attenuation and GCC thinning were identified in the perifovea than in the parafovea in both groups (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the percent reduction of VD was less than that of GCC thickness in the perifoveal region in PPG eyes (P < 0.05). The AUROCs for wiVD and GCC thickness were 0.824 and 0.881, respectively, in PPG eyes (P > 0.05), and 0.918 and 0.977, respectively, in early PG eyes (P > 0.05).ConclusionsMacular VD and GCC thickness significantly decreased in PPG and early PG eyes. The perifoveal region appeared to be more vulnerable to macular VD attenuation and GCC thinning in early glaucoma. Our results showed that macular VD measurements may be helpful for detecting and understanding early glaucomatous damage.

Normative database and determinants of macular vessel density measured by optical coherence tomography angiography.

To provide a normative vessel density (VD) database for the macula through swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to assess the main determinants of this measurement. In contrast with dye angiography, the recently introduced OCTA technique allows for the non-invasive measurement of retinal and choroidal VD metrics. Cross-sectional study. The right eyes of 346 healthy subjects were studied. In 105 subjects both eyes were imaged. Foveal and parafoveal macular VD measurements were obtained in the retinal superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and in the choriocapillaris (CC) layer. Also recorded were age, sex, axial length (AL), foveal and choroidal thickness (CT). Normative database and determinants of macular VD measured by OCTA. Mean participant age was 38.3 ± 20.1 years (mean ± SD) (range 5-83). Foveal VDs in the different plexuses were: SCP 22.1% ± 5.0% (7.3-35.1), DCP 19.9% ± 6.3% (6.9-51.2) and CC: 52.8% ± 4.3% (40.2-62.1). Parafoveal VDs ranged from 45.4% ± 3.7% to 51.8% ± 4.6%. Positive correlation was observed between foveal VD and foveal thickness (R = .327), as well as between parafoveal DCP VD and CT (R = .250;P ≤ .006), while correlation with age was negative in the SCP and CC (R = -.283;P < .001). No associations were detected between macular VD and sex or AL (P ≥ .05). Macular VD showed wide individual variation, was positively correlated with foveal thickness and with CT, negatively correlated with age, and showed no correlation with AL or sex.

Reproducibility of macular and optic nerve head vessel density measurements by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography.

To assess the reproducibility of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) for macular and optic nerve head (ONH) vessel density (VD). Cross-sectional study using the Triton OCTA (Topcon, Tokyo, Japan), for VD (%) measurements in 40 eyes of 40 healthy subjects on two 6 × 6 mm scans of the macula and ONH across five subfields (central, superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal) at different segmentation levels: superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), outer retina, and choriocapillaris. Reproducibility values were summarized as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and coefficients of variations (CV). ICCs for the macular VD measurements in the central zone were 0.874, 0.770, 0.575, 0.718 at the levels SCP, DCP, outer retina, and choriocapillaris, respectively, while worse ICCs were obtained for the parafoveal subfields (ICC ⩽ 0.589); CVs were 2.8%-6.7%. The reproducibility of the ONH superficial VD was ICC = 0.941 for the papillary region and was ICC = 0.499-0.853 for the peripapillary zone; CVs ranged from 4.8% to 17%. Peripapillary VD showed an ICC = 0.533-0.770 in the DCP layer, and 0.572-0.828 in the choriocapillaris. Lowest VD were obtained for the macular SCP and DCP (23% and 22%, respectively), in the foveal zone, while greatest VD were recorded in the nasal and temporal peripapillary subfields at the level of the choriocapillaris (both 68%). The new SS-OCTA software served to quantify macular and ONH VD with a reproducibility that was good in the central zones (foveal and papillary, respectively) and moderate in the peripheral zones (parafoveal and peripapillary).

Diurnal Variations of Peripapillary and Macular Vessel Density in Glaucomatous Eyes Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diurnal variation in peripapillary and macular vessel density (VD) measurements using optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT-A) and its correlation to intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in glaucoma patients. Prospective, observational cross-sectional study including 37 patients (74 eyes; age, 63.8±12.9 y) with open-angle glaucoma. OCT-A imaging and IOP measurements were performed at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00 timepoints on a single day. At each timepoint, 2 scan protocols were used to generate 3-dimensional en face OCT angiograms: 4.5×4.5-mm scan centered on the optic nerve head and 6×6-mm scan centered on the fovea. For each scan mode, the "radial peripapillary capillary" segment, composed of the vasculature of the retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer, was calculated. Two trained readers reviewed OCT-A image quality. Only scans with signal strength intensity (SSI) higher than 46 and without image artifacts interfering with measurements were included. Variation in VD measurements assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the association between VD and IOP changes assessed using linear mixed modeling methods. The optic nerve head and peripapillary VD measurements at 14:00 and 16:00 timepoints were greater than the measurements at 08:00 and 11:00 timepoints. The 14:00 and 16:00 VD measurements were statistically significantly greater (P<0.05) than the 08:00 measurements for the whole en face (50.1% and 50.1% vs. 49.4%), inside disc (50.6% and 50.5% vs. 49.6%), and average peripapillary (58.2% and 58.5% vs. 57.5%) VDs. The macular VD measurements at the 14:00 timepoint were greater than the measurements at 08:00 and 11:00 timepoints. Changes in VD were significantly associated with changes in SSI but not IOP. Diurnal changes in OCT-A-measured VD in glaucoma patients were small and clinically insignificant. These changes were not associated with IOP changes.

Reproducibility of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Macular and Optic Nerve Head Vascular Density in Glaucoma and Healthy Eyes.

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a noninvasive technology that allows visualization of retinal blood vessels. It is important to determine reproducibility of measurements as low precision can impair its diagnostic capabilities. The purpose of this study is to determine intravisit and intervisit reproducibility of optic nerve head (ONH) and macular vessel density measurements with OCT-A. Fifteen healthy volunteers and 14 glaucoma patients completed 2 OCT-A (AngioVue; Optovue Inc.) scanning sessions on each of 2 separate days to assess intravisit and intervisit reproducibility. A series of ONH and macula scans were acquired at each session. Vessel density (%), the proportion of vessel area over the total measurement area was calculated. Reproducibility was summarized using coefficients of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficients calculated from variance component models. In healthy eyes, the CV of intravisit and intervisit global vessel density measures ranged from 1.8% to 3.2% in ONH scans and 2.5% to 9.0% in macular scans. In glaucoma eyes, the CV of intravisit and intervisit global vessel density measures ranged from 2.3% to 4.1% in ONH scans and 3.2% to 7.9% in macular scans. CVs were lower for global than sectorial measures. Global OCT-A ONH intraclass correlation measurements for the retinal nerve fiber layer in healthy eyes were lower (range: 0.65 to 0.85) than in glaucoma eyes (range: 0.89 to 0.94). Scan size did not make large differences in measurement CVs. Reproducibility of OCT-A ONH and macula vessel density measurements is good. Moreover, glaucoma patients have sparser vessel density with poorer reproducibility than healthy subjects.

REPRODUCIBILITY OF VESSEL DENSITY MEASUREMENT WITH OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHY IN EYES WITH AND WITHOUT RETINOPATHY.

To determine the intravisit and intervisit reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography measurements of macular vessel density in eyes with and without retinal diseases. Fifteen healthy volunteers and 22 patients with retinal diseases underwent repeated optical coherence tomography angiography (Angiovue Imaging System, Optovue Inc) scans after pupil dilation on 2 separate visit days. For each visit day, the eyes were scanned twice. Vessel density defined as the proportion of vessel area with flowing blood over the total measurement area was calculated using Angiovue software. Intravisit and intervisit reproducibility were summarized as coefficient of variations and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated from variance component models. The coefficient of variations representing the intravisit reproducibility of the superficial macular vessel density measurements for different quadrants on 3 mm × 3-mm scans varied from 2.1% to 4.9% and 3.4% to 6.8% for healthy and diseased eyes, respectively, and for the intervisit it was 2.9% to 5.1% and 4.0% to 6.8%, respectively. The coefficient of variations were lower in healthy eyes than in diseased eyes, lower for intravisit than for intervisit, lower on 3 mm × 3-mm scans than on 6 mm × 6-mm scans, and lower for paracentral subfields than for central subfield. The evidence presented here demonstrates good reproducibility of optical coherence tomography angiography for measurement of superficial macula vessel density in both healthy eyes and eyes with diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular edema.

Repeatability of vessel density measurements of optical coherence tomography angiography in normal and glaucoma eyes

AimsTo compare the intrasession repeatability of peripapillary and macular vessel density measurements of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in normal and glaucoma eyes, and to evaluate the effect of signal...